Masters Pancake House
Last inspected: Jul 29, 2025
70
Score
Going back to 2011, Masters Pancake House has 18 inspections in the public record. The most recent report on file is from Jul 29, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near three violations each time.
Across the inspection history, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded five times.
Masters Pancake House's latest score of 70 falls below the Chicago average of 81. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
18
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 29, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: TCS FOOD AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN PREP COOLER: HAM 49.9F, SAUSAGE 50.2F, CUT TOMATOES 49.0F. ALL DISCARDED AND DENATURED. INSTD TO MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIME. APPROX 15LBS $50 VALUE CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 52.9F. COOLER TAGGED AT THIS TIME AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTD NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND AT PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY
33
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN WAREWASHING AREA CAUSING STANDING WATER. INSTD TO REPLACE BROKEN TILES AND MAINTAIN
55
70
May 9, 2024
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 OBSERVED RUST BUILD UP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE TABLE WHERE CHEMICALS ARE STORED. OBSERVED BUILD-UP ON SHELVES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SURFACES FREE OF RESIDUE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE FURNACE ROOM ON THE FLOOR AND STACKED UP. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND ORGANIZE AREA TO BE ACCESSIBLE.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PIC AT TIME OF INSPECTION TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
86
May 1, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A PINK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ONTO ICE(ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DISCARD ICE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDAITON #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUST BUILD UP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE TABLE WHERE CHEMICALS ARE STORED. OBSERVED BUILD-UP ON SHELVES IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SURFACES FREE OF RESIDUE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE FURNACE ROOM ON THE FLOOR AND STACKED UP. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND ORGANIZE AREA TO BE ACCESSIBLE.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PIC AT TIME OF INSPECTION TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
74
May 2, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: CONTAINER OF COOKED SAUSAGE AT 59.9F (COOKED YESTERDAY) IN REACH IN COOLER, SLICES OF CHEESE AT 64.4F ON TOP OF PREP COOLER. INSTD TO MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. SAUSAGE AND CHEESE DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 5LBS $20 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY
22
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW BEEF STORED IMMEDIATELY ABOVE READY TO EAT TUNA SALAD WITH RAW BEEF BLOOD ON THE COVER OF THE TUNA CONTAINER. INSTD TO STORE RAW FOOD SEPARATELY/PROPERLY AT ALL TIMES. TUNA DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 2LBS $10 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED PRIORUTY 7-38-005.
15
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED ON CUTTING BOARD. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE
41
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: PIPE LEAKING UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
51
74
Oct 19, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 12, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND APPROXIMATELY 50 SMALL LIVE FLIES ON WALL AND FLYING IN WATER HEATER ROOM. RECOMMEND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE FLY ACTIVITY, MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU FOR UNDERCOOKED/RAW ITEMS (BURGER, STEAK, EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCLOSURE ON MENU FOR THE ABOVE ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
25
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND BULK ITEMS WITHOUT LABELS (RICE, BEANS). MUST LABEL ITEMS WHEN FOOD NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, MAINTAIN.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATED UNDER EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
70
Jun 4, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
16
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MULTI USE UTENSILS IMPROPER STORED IN CONTAINER WITH MOUTHPIECE EXPOSED. INSTD TO INVERT (HANDLE UP)
44
90
Nov 13, 2020
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE
41
95
Feb 1, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
Proper cooking time & temperatures
Inspector notes: Observed non-continuous cooking process of animal foods. Observed improper temperatures of the following TCS foods sitting on counter in kitchen: sausage patties @ 68.9F; sausage links @ 50.7F; italian sausage @ 68F; and chorizo @ 69.4F - 83.1F. Instructed if process has begun to cook meats (or TCS FOODS), must continue until fully cooked and must hot, or immediately after initially heating, must be cooled according to the time and temperature parameters specified for cooked time/temperatre control for safety foods. TCS foods must be held at min temperature of 135F if hot holding, or 41F or less for cold holding at all times. Instructed non-continuous cooking of animal foods is not permitted. Operator voluntarily discarded all denatured food during inspection. Approximate value of 10lbs of discarded food is $25. Priority violation 7-38-005. Citation issued.
18
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: Observed no employee health policy on site. Must provide. Priority foundation violation.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: Observed no vomit and diarrhea clean up procedure in place. Must provide written procedure. Priority foundation violation.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: Observed improper date marking of prepped TCS (time/temperature control for safety) foods in the walk in cooler. Instructed must label all prepped, TCS foods with discard date. Priority foundation violation.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: Observed consumer advisory not properly documented on menu. Instructed must properly provide consumer advisory disclosure and reminders (*) on all items on menu in which the consumer advisory applies to. Priority foundation violation.
25
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: Observed no proof of allergen training on site. Must provide proof of allergen training for all Chicago certified food sanitation managers.
58
55
Sep 12, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN REAR STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKING UNDER THE 1ST., AND 2ND. COMPARTMENTS, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES IMPROPERLY STORED ON PREP TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN CLEAN CONTAINER WITH 100PPM OF CHLORINE SANITIZER.
43
86
Jun 6, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR SLICER, #10 CAN OPENER, AND CUTTING BOARD IN GRILL AREA NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE AREA NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND STORAGE SHELVES.
34
90
Apr 29, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE DOORS OF THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE GRILL.
32
95
Apr 22, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS BY A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE TOUCH A WAFFLE AND SAUSAGE PATTIES WITH THEIR BARE HANDS AFTER THEY WERE COOKED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE GLOVES OR OTHER UTENSILS SO THAT THERE IS NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010A.
6
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED A SLIMY SUBSTANCE AND DISCOLORATION ON THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE DOORS OF THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE GRILL.
32
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A VISIBLE THERMOMETER INSIDE OF ALL COOLERS.
40
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE WET WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER BUCKET WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
78
Jan 9, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: UPRIGHT COOLER INTERIOR DOOR GASKETS IN POOR REPAIR, MISSING, TORN, INSTD TO REPAIR SAME.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: LIGHTSHIELDS IN PREP AREA NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: PROVIDE ACCURATE METAL STEM THEROMOMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
40
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET. NO LOG, RECORDS AVAILABLE FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME.
45
82
Jul 14, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT PREP LINE UPRIGHT COOLER MISSING FAN GUARD COVER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE #10 CAN OPENER AND REAR SLICER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN DISH AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE/DRY MOP.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR STORAGE WALL NOT CLEAN GREASE RUNNING DOWN THE WALL, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALSO CLEAN REAR CEILING VENTS.ALSO REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES, OVER REAR PREP AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT SINK LEAKING AT LOWER PIPE INTO A CONTAINER, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
78
Jul 22, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MULTI-USE EATING UTENSILS IMPROPERLY STORED ON DINING TABLES. INSTD TO PROPERLY STORE (WRAP, KEEP COVERED, OR PLACE SETTING AS CUSTOMERS ARE SEATED).
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARD AT PREP LINE IN POOR REPAIR, PITTED, WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. REPLACE SAME. MISSING COVERS FOR ICE BINS. PROVIDE SAME.
32
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MISSING THERMOMETER IN PREP AREA. REPLACE SAME.
40
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: WASH CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
82
Jun 26, 2012
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL AND DATE THE FOOD IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND THE REACH-IN COOLER.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE STORAGE SHELVES IN THE STORE ROOM THEY ARE DUSTY.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: IN THE REAR STORE ROOM HAS LARGE AMOUNT OF MISSING AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THEM.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL THE BOTTOM OF THE NORTH WALL NEXT TO THE WALK-IN COOLER HAS A THREE INCH GAP. SEAL THE WALLS TO THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORE ROOM AND SMALL STORE ROOM. HAS A ONE HALF GAP ALONG THE WALLS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND REPAIR ALL WALLS SO NO INSECTS OR RODENT. HARBORAGE. FOUND STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE REAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR PAINT THEM.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: FOUND LIGHT SHIELD IN THE BACK STORE ROOMS WATER STAINED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL THE VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES HAS DUST AND DIRT BUILDUP ON THEM.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND OLD UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR SMALL STORE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REMOVE SO NO INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
70
Jan 13, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER HOLDING/STORING TEMPERATUERES: 2 DOZEN EGGS AT 58.9F AND ALSO COOKED HAM AT 57.0F (ON COUNTERTOP). NO TEMPERATURES LOGS ON SITE. MGR VOLUNTAIRLY DISCARDED AND DENATURED SAME. APPROX 10LBS. $50 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A CRITICAL. INSTD TO MAINTAIN PRODUCT TEMPERATURE AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES.
3
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO ONE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE OR ON ON DUTY WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. (HAM, EGGS). PROVIDE SAME CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012 SERIOUS.
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: INSTD TO LABEL AND DATE ALL READY TO EAT FOODS IN WALK-IN COOLER.
30
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: VENTS IN TOILET ROOMS WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN SAME.
35
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Masters Pancake House last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Masters Pancake House on file is from Jul 29, 2025. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Masters Pancake House?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Masters Pancake House.
Has Masters Pancake House's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Masters Pancake House have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Masters Pancake House means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Masters Pancake House inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Masters Pancake House is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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