Mordecai Brown
Last inspected: Aug 12, 2025
74
Score
Going back to 2018, Mordecai Brown has eight inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Aug 12, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around six violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, showing up eight times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Mordecai Brown's 74 doesn't quite reach. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
8
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 12, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE (1) DOOR REACH IN COOLER AT 2ND FLOOR KITCHEN IMMEDIATELY NEXT TO THE EMPLOYEE BATHROOM CURRENTLY BE NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY, WITH THE UNIT COLD HOLDING AT 48.5F. UNIT WAS NOT IN USE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. REACH IN ONE (1) DOOR COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL ENTIRE COOLER/EQUIPMENT IS ABLE TO MAINTAIN TEMPERATURES OF AT LEAST 41F AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. PRIORITY VIOLATION, 7-38-005.
33
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE (1) OF TWO (2) HAND SINKS IN THE MAIN BAR ON THE FIRST FLOOR TO BE MISSING A SIGN INSTRUCTING EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE (1) OF THREE (3) DUMP SINKS/1 COMPARTMENT SINKS IN THE MAIN BAR LINE TO BE MISSING A FAUCET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR IF PRESENT AT FACILITY.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR BELOW THE DRAWER COOLER ON THE MAIN PREP LINE ON 2ND FLOOR, AND THE FLOOR ACROSS THE DEEP FRYERS ON 2ND FLOOR TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE. OBSERVED HEAVY FOOD DEBRIS AND LOOSE VEGETABLES/FRUIT ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE ICE MACHINES IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOORS AND CORNERS AND MAINTAIN FREE OF EXCESSIVE TRASH AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP.
55
74
Aug 15, 2024
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19---- MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY.----NOTED MASKING TAPE BEING USED AS A GUARD AT THE COOKS LINE HAND WASHING SINK SPLASH GUARD. MUST REMOVE AND USE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE GUARD MATERIAL
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: : 6-201.17----NOTED FLOOR DRAINS DIRTY AT THE KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND KITCHEN DISH WASHING MACHINES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 4-301.14---- OBSERVED A TWO BASKET OIL DEEP FRYER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY VENTILATED. MUST BE STORED UNDER ADEQUATE VENTILATION OR REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES.
56
86
Aug 7, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED COOKED SALMON IN THE TOP COLD HOLDING PORTION OF THE COOKS LINE COOLER AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 68.5F AND 75F. REVIEWED WITH THE CHEF THAT COLD FOODS MUST BE HELD AT A PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. ALSO REVIEWED PROPER COOLING PROCEDURES FOR COOKED SALMON. FOOD DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: EXCESSIVE GREASE NOTED ON THE GROUNDS SURROUNDING THE GIANT GREASE TRAP LOCATED IN THE PARKING GARAGE.ALSO GREASE NOTED DRIPPING FROM THE TOP AREAS OF THE TRAP. GREASE TRAP IS A SHARED GREASE TRAP FOR THE ENTIRE BUILDING. MUST REMOVE ALL GREASE AND MAINTAIN CLEAN GROUNDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B).
54
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED HAND WASHING SINKS LOCATED AT BOTH BARS NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. SINKS BEING BLOCKED BY STAINERS AND SINKS BEING USED AS DUMP SINKS. REVIEWED WITH MANAGER ALL DESIGNATED HAND WASHING SINKS ARE FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO PAPER TOWELS LOCATED AT THE DISH MACHINE AREA HAND WASHING SINK. REVIEWED PAPER TOWELS MUST ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.
10
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NOTED ANIMAL ORIGIN FOODS ON THE MENU SUCH AS SHELLFISH, BURGERS AND STEAKS ARE NOT REMINDED FOR THE CONSUMER ADVISORY FOUND ON THE MENU. ITEMS MISSING ASTERISKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY REMIND CONSUMERS OF SUCH ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
25
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE 1ST FLOOR WASHROOM VENTILATION COVER.----NOTED FLOOR DRAINS DIRTY AT THE KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND KITCHEN DISH WASHING MACHINES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TWO BASKET OIL DEEP FRYER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY VENTILATED. MUST BE STORED UNDER ADEQUATE VENTILATION OR REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES.
56
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: COOK ON THE COOKS LINE OBSERVED WITHOUT ADEQUATE HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE.
40
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED KNIVES BEING IMPROPERLY STORED BETWEEN PREP TABLES ON THE COOKS LINE. MUST PROVIDE A PROPER KNIFE HOLDER.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: CLEAN STORED MIXING BOWLS MUST BE STORED INVERTED.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS IN THE 2ND FLOOR STORAGE CLOSET MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS. FOODS IN WALK-IN FREEZER MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOOR.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY.----NOTED MASKING TAPE BEING USED AS A GUARD AT THE COOKS LINE HAND WASHING SINK SPLASH GUARD. MUST REMOVE AND USE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE GUARD MATERIAL
47
41
Jan 18, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED NO ICE SCOOP AT THE BARS OF 1ST AND 2ND FLOORS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ICE SCOOP HOLDERS FOR THE BARS.
43
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES AND GLASSES AT THE KITCHEN AND DINING TABLE NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES AND GLASSES AT THE DINNING TABLES AND KITCHEN SHELVES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION
43
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NOTED SOME WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS
53
86
Feb 1, 2022
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP ON LOWER SIDE OF DISHMACHINE DRAINBOARDS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST BUILD UP ON REACH IN GARMIJE COOLER CONDENSER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP ON WALL AT DISHWASH AREA BEHIND DISHMACHINE. MUST CLEAN WALL AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: SOME FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
58
82
Aug 6, 2021
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEE ARRANGING READY-TO-EAT FOOD MEANT FOR CUSTOMER IN A SERVING PLATE WITH BARE HANDS. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT THE NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. MUST WEAR USE GLOVES, TONGS, OR SPOONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-010 -
9
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED HANDWASH SINKS AT THE FIRST FLOOR BAR USED AS DUMP SINKS WITH STRAWS ANS ICE INSIDE THE SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL HAND WASHES SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C).
10
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: NOTED SHELLFISH (CLAMS) IN A TRAY INSIDE THE BASEMENT KITCHEN SERVICE PREP COOLER WITH NO IDENTIFICATION TAGS AS REQUIRED BY TO BE ATTACHED TO SHELLFISH TILL THE LAST ONE IS SOLD OR PREPARED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT ALWAYS TO HAVE TAGS ATTACHED TO THE EACH BATCH UNTIL THE LAST PRODUCT IS USED, AND THEN TAGS MUST BE DATE MARKED AND STORED FOR 90 DAYS.
14
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED BAGS OF ICE STORED ON THE FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK-IN FREEZERS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF THE FLOOR.
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NO SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN EXPOSED HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE AT THE KITCHEN PREP. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASH GUARD.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT BAR NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION, ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS, ESPECIALLY AT THE BAR.
55
61
May 24, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO REQUIRED EQUIPMENT ON SITE FOR A VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS PREPARED TCS FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATE LABELED IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS THAT ARE RAW OR UNDER COOKED AND A POTENTIAL HAZARD OF CONSUMING SUCH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD CART STORED NEXT TO THE COOKS LINE/SERVICE LINE HAND WASHING SINKS. MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARDS ON HAND SINKS OR PERMANENTLY REMOVE FOOD CART.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOK WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT AND SEVERAL COOKS WITHOUT BEARD RESTRAINTS. MUST PROVIDE.
40
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLEAN POT/PANS STORED UNDER AND ON TOP OF WATER AND WASTE WATER PIPING. MUST PROPERLY STORE PROTECTED.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION AT THE 2ND FLOOR BAR. FLOORS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR CLEANING AND MONITORING.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: WASTE WATER PIPES ABOVE THE WALK-IN COOLERS/WALK-IN FREEZER AND ICE,ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO ENCASE SAID PIPES. SURFACE MUST BE SOLID, SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE. WASTE WATER PIPES UNDER BOTH BAR COUNTERS (BEER TAP RUN-OFF) MUST DISCHARGE ONTO FLOOR DRAIN, NOT IN ANY SINKS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: EXCESSIVE DUST IN VENTILATION HOOD OF THE KITCHEN DISH WASHING MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: EXTREMELY LOW COLD WATER PRESSURE IN THE 2ND FLOOR WASHROOM. MUST INCREASE PRESSURE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE CEILING ABOVE THE BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING.----MISSING CEILING TILE INSIDE THE KITCHENS OPEN OFFICE AREA. MUST REPLACE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE CEILING VENT IN THE FIRST FLOOR WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MOP HEADS MUST BE STORED INVERTED WHEN NOT IN USE.
55
45
Mar 29, 2018
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: WASTE WATER PIPES ABOVE THE WALK-IN COOLERS/WALK-IN FREEZER AND ICE,ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO ENCASE SAID PIPES. SURFACE MUST BE SOLID, SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE. WASTE WATER PIPES UNDER BOTH BAR COUNTERS (BEER TAP RUN-OFF) MUST DISCHARGE ONTO FLOOR DRAIN, NOT IN ANY SINKS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: NO FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE BOTH ICE MACHINES FOR DISCHARGE WATER FROM UNITS,IN BASEMENT AREA INSIDE LOCKED STORAGE.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE OR RELOCATE UNITS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: WATER FILTER SYSTEM INSTALLED INSIDE THE STAFF WASHROOM. SYSTEM MUST BE RELOCATED OR COMPLETELY ENCLOSED. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL. INSTALL BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE AT WATER SPRAYER HOSES AT BOTH BARS.
38
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mordecai Brown last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mordecai Brown on file is from Aug 12, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mordecai Brown?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Mordecai Brown.
Has Mordecai Brown's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Mordecai Brown have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Mordecai Brown 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 Mordecai Brown inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mordecai Brown is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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