Madison Tavern
Last inspected: Feb 26, 2025
82
Score
Public records show 14 inspections at Madison Tavern stretching back to 2015. The most recent visit was on Feb 26, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around three violations across recent inspections versus roughly five violations before.
The pattern that stands out is “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed”, which has been cited five times.
Madison Tavern's latest score is in line with the Chicago average of 81. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
14
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 26, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Bar Low temp dish washing machine not sanitizing at final rinse, 0ppm of Cl obtained on test strips. Instructed manager to provide proper sanitizer concentration at final rinse. Priority violation 7-38-025.
16
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Keeping spoons in standing water container at bar area, instructed to keep utensils in-use according to health code, ie.
43
82
Mar 20, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: Found 5 cans of beer placed inside ice maker contaminating ice cubes, ice is used for customers drinks. Instructed not place any object in ice maker that could cause contamination, ice is removed. priority violation 7-38-005.
39
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Bulk food container ( sugar ) not labeled, Instructed to label and maintain.
37
82
Mar 29, 2023
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A PAN CATCHING WATER FROM THE VENT ON THE CEILING IN THE WALK-IN COOLER TO HAVE A LEAK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, REMOVE PAN, AND MAINTAIN.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULB IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS TO OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
58
78
Jul 6, 2022
Routine
4 critical violations.
View 4 violations
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE TOUCHING AND SLICING RTE FOODS (LEMONS AND LIMES) WITH BARE HANDS AT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO NOT TOUCH FOOD WITH BARE HANDS, BUT TO USE TONGS, OR GLOVES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
9
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND NO RUNNING WATER WHEN HOT WATER KNOB IS TURENED ON ( HANDWASHING SINK IN DISH AREA & BAR). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A MINNIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATIO ISSUED. OBSERVED MANAGER SERVICE SINK AT TIME OF INSPECTION.
10
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF READY TO EAT TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD CHICKEN STORED AT 53F LOCATED IN PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A MINNIMUM COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. DISCARDED 5LBS AT $50.
22
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: FOUND READY TO EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS NOT DISCARDED WITHIN THE 7 DAY SHELF LIFE; CORN CHOWDER DATED 6/13, CHICKEN DATED 6/27. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD ALL READY TO EAT TIME/ TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS WITHIN 7 DAY SHELF LIFE. FOOD ITEMS DISCARDED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE 7 DAY DISCARD DATE FOR ALL READY TO FOOD HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS.
23
55
Jul 1, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE TOUCHING RTE FOODS (LETTUCE, TOMATO, AND HAMBURGER BUN) WITH BARE HANDS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO NOT TOUCH FOOD WITH BARE HANDS, BUT TO USE TONGS, OR GLOVES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
9
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE DATE MARKINGS TO TCS/RTE FOODS, PREPARED ONSITE AND HELD IN COOLERS OVER 24 HRS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUME BY DATES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENUS REGARDING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS (TUNA) INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED. (REFER TO HANDOUT)
25
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN REAR, NOT SANITIZING (CHLORINE) PROPERLY WHILE IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USING MACHINE UNTIL SERVICED. USE 3-COM SINK INSTEAD TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE DISHES, UTENSILS, POTS, PANS AND SMALL WEARS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
48
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION FROM CEILING VENTS OVER THE REAR PREP ARA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AND FLOORS BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION FROM HOOD FILTERS, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN..
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
58
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
37
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT DISHES STORED ON STORAGE SHELVES IN THE REAR PREP AREA, TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER , SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN
49
41
Feb 5, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 2, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: Observed food handler prepping 5lbs, pico de gallo, at a value of $20.00, with bare hand contact in rear dish/prep area. Also, observed same food handler eating from plate of food on top of prep counter in dish/prep area while preparing pico de Gallo. Informed manager that is to be no bare hand contact with ready to eat foods. Use tongs, gloves or utensils to prevent bare hand contact with ready to eat foods. Corrected violation during inspection. Critical violation #7-38-010 (A)
6
Water source: safe, hot & cold under city pressure
Inspector notes: Observed no hot water throughout facilies, Informed manager TO PROVIDE hot water temperature must be at minimum of 110 DEGREES. Critical Violation # 7-38-030
9
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed trash bag used as liner inside bulk food containers kitchen prep area. Informed manager that all surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable. Instructed manager to remove and the surface is smooth and easily cleanable. Maintain of all time.
32
86
Dec 5, 2017
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: Observed potentially hazardous food at improper temperatures at salad prep cooler. Observed Caesar dressing made on site with egg, anchovies, etc. at 56.7F. Instructed must keep all potentially hazardous foods at 40F or less, or 140F or more at all times. Operator voluntarily discarded denatured food during inspection. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).
3
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Observed wiping cloths stored on counters throughout kitchen. Must keep all wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use. Must maintain same.
43
90
Jul 25, 2017
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed excessive rust and peeling paint on grease trap box in dish area. Must remove or paint to make smooth and easily cleanable. Must maintain same.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Observed cracked/missing tiles on corner of doorway between kitchen and dish area. Must repair and maintain same.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed large holes around pipes in upper walls of dish area. Must fill holes to prevent pest entry. Observed excessive grease and/or dirt build up on walls and ceilings in the following areas: on wall and ceiling to the left of the ventilation hood in kitchen; on the walls under dish machine; and exterior, upper wall of walk in coolers. Must detail clean these areas. Must maintain same
35
86
Jul 17, 2017
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed excessive rust and peeling paint on grease trap box in dish area. Must remove or paint to make smooth and easily cleanable. Must maintain same.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Observed cracked/missing tiles on corner of doorway between kitchen and dish area. Must repair and maintain same.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed large holes around pipes in upper walls of dish area. Must fill holes to prevent pest entry. Observed excessive grease and/or dirt build up on walls and ceilings in the following areas: on wall and ceiling to the left of the ventilation hood in kitchen; on the walls under dish machine; and exterior, upper wall of walk in coolers. Must detail clean these areas. Must maintain same.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Observed thermometer not properly functioning on 4 drawer cooler unit. External display reads 35F and internal temperature is 52.5F. Instructed must repair or provide thermometers inside drawers, in a conspicuous spot. Must maintain same.
40
82
Jul 10, 2017
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: Found 4 drawer cooler unit (under grill in kitchen) not able to maintain proper temperature. Air temperature in drawers ranging between 54.6F - 55.1F. Instructed all refrigeration units must maintain internal air temperature of 40F or less at all times. Unit has been tagged and held for inspection. Instructed must not use this unit until unit has been serviced and tag has been removed. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: Found the following potentially hazardous foods at improper temperatures in the 4 cooler drawers, under the grill in kitchen: 3lbs of steak @ 48.9F; 14lbs of uncooked hamburger meat @ 50.0F; 4lbs of tuna salad @ 59.5F; and 6lbs of sliced ham @ 51.8F. Instructed all potentially hazardous foods must be held @ 40F or less, or 140F or above. Operator voluntarily discarded denatured foods during inspection. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).
3
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: Observed low temperature dish machine being used without proper sanitizing procedure. Observe 0 ppm of quaternary ammonia present in water used for sanitizing in dishwasher. Operator replaced empty bottle of sanitizer connected to machine with new/full bottle of sanitizer. When water retested in dish machine, found 200ppm of quaternary ammonia present. Instructed must re-wash all items that were previously run through the dish machine. Critical violation 7-38-030.
8
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: Observed small, black flies in the following areas: approximately 30 on upper exterior of walk in cooler/walk in beer cooler; approximately 17 on walls near hand sink in dish area; and approximately 3 in the dry storage room. Must detail clean and sanitize these areas. Must eliminate pest issue. Serious violation 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed excessive rust and peeling paint on grease trap box in dish area. Must remove or paint to make smooth and easily cleanable. Must maintain same.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Observed cracked/missing tiles on corner of doorway between kitchen and dish area. Must repair and maintain same.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed large holes around pipes in upper walls of dish area. Must fill holes to prevent pest entry. Observed excessive grease and/or dirt build up on walls and ceilings in the following areas: on wall and ceiling to the left of the ventilation hood in kitchen; on the walls under dish machine; and exterior, upper wall of walk in coolers. Must detail clean these areas. Must maintain same.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Observed thermometer not properly functioning on 4 drawer cooler unit. External display reads 35F and internal temperature is 52.5F. Instructed must repair or provide thermometers inside drawers, in a conspicuous spot. Must maintain same.
40
67
May 19, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 12, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HAND SINK IN THE DISH MACHINE ROOM TO BE INACCESSIBLE BECAUSE IT WAS BLOCKED BY PALLETS, MILK CRATES, AND ROLLING CARTS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL HANDSINKS TO BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-030
12
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROX. 30 SMALL FLIES IN THE DISHROOM, APPROX. 12 SMALL FLIES NEAR THE EMPTY KEG STORAGE AREA, AND APPROX. 11 SMALL FLIES NEAR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE FLY ACTIVITY AND RECOMMENDED TO OBTAIN THE SERVICES OF A LICENSED PEST CONTROL OPERATOR. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WOODEN SERVING BOARDS THAT ARE MADE WITH UNAPPROVED WOOD AND HAVE COARSE BARK TRIM ON THE SIDES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE SERVING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, NON ABSORBENT AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOPS AND BROOMS STORED IMPROPERLY IN THE MOP CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO STORE MOPS INVERTED (HEADS UP).
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON A CUTTING BOARD IN THE COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZER SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
43
74
Dec 17, 2015
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL MORE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE MOP SINK CLOSET.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL/REPAIR VENTILATION IN THE WOMENS WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE THREE WORKING STOPPERS AT THE BAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST MINIMIZE CLUTTER IN ALL STORAGE CLOSETS. MUST PROVIDE MORE ADEQUATE SHELVING AND PROPERLY STORE ALL ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR. MUST ALSO PROVIDE SHELVING RACKS FOR WALK IN REFRIGERATION UNITS. MUST STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
41
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Madison Tavern last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Madison Tavern on file is from Feb 26, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Madison Tavern?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Madison Tavern.
Has Madison Tavern's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Madison Tavern 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 Madison Tavern 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 Madison Tavern inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Madison Tavern is inspected around two times per year on average.
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