Nico
Last inspected: Sep 17, 2020
90
Score
Inspectors have visited Nico 12 times, with records going back to 2013. Inspectors last stopped by on Sep 17, 2020. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately. Note that Nico's inspection history hasn't been updated since Sep 17, 2020; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around three violations to closer to seven violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Nico is comfortably above that bar. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 17, 2020
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: DELI CUPS ARE REUSED AND WASHED WITHOUT PROPER AIR DRYING. INSTRUCTED TO AIR DRY BEFORE STACKING.
44
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALK-IN COOLER COOLING LINES INSULATION IN POOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
55
90
Apr 18, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 16 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: 1/2# OF SOFT BOILED EGGS IN THE 1ST FLOOR PREP COOLER (48.4F), 5# SOFT CHEESE IN THE PREP KITCHEN COOLER DRAWER (46.4F). FACILITY CORRECTED VIOLATION ON SITE BY DISCARDING THE FOODS WITH A REPORTED TOTAL VALUE OF $75. PRIORITY VIOLATION#:7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: - MUST PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY (ON SITE), REMINDER (IN THE MENU), AND DISCLOSURE (BY THE FOOD ITEMS) FOR ALL UNDERCOOKED FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: - THE DESIGNATED PERSON IN CHARGE, WHO IS ON SITE, MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION LICENSE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#:7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
2
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED 1# OF RAW OYSTERS IN A COOLER DRAWER WITHOUT ANY SHELLFISH TAGS OR IDENTIFICATION ATTACHED. MUST PROVIDE SHELLFISH TAGS/LABELS TO BE HELD WITH ALL SHELLSTOCK DURING STORAGE. FACILITY CORRECTED VIOLATION ON SITE BY DISCARDING THE OYSTERS WITH A REPORTED TOTAL VALUE OF $30. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#:7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
14
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: - NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: - MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING THE PREPARATION AND CONSUME BY/DISCARD DATE OF ALL REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED CLEAN DISHES/COOKWARE STORED IMPROPERLY ON SHELVING. MUST INVERT ALL CLEAN DISHES/UTENSILS/COOKWARE DURING STORAGE TO PREVENT POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING IN THE DISHWASH AND THE BAKERY AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF EXCESSIVE ARTICLES, UNNECESSARY EQUIPMENT AND LITTER IN THE GARAGE STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT THAT ARE UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION. CLEAN AREA OF ALL DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE WALL BY THE SINK IN THE EMPLOYEE DINING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED AN EXCESS ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS ON THE WALLS AND CEILING IN THE DISH PITS. OBSERVED THE HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINES ENCRUSTED WITH EXCESS DIRT/DEBRIS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE EMPLOYEE MEN'S, GUEST MEN'S AND ADA TOILET ROOMS' EXHAUST VENTILATIONS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED A 1/2" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BELLEVUE FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
38
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED NO HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASH SINK IN THE EMPLOYEE SERVING/DINING AREA. MUST PROVIDE HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASH SINKS AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE INTERIOR OF ALL ICE MACHINES. MUST DETAIL CLEAN/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN.
16
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED PRESET TABLEWARE IN THE DINING ROOM, UNCOVERED & EXPOSED TO POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION. MUST REMOVE/COVER/INVERT ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES OF PRESET TABLEWARE TO PREVENT POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO CONTAMINATION.
44
32
Feb 20, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OVENSTATION REACH IN PREP COOLER- MEATBALLS AT 51.8 F AND CHICKEN AT 51.0 F. HOWEVER FOUND SAID OVENSTATION REACH IN COOLER AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE AT 42.0 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 40 F OR BELOW IF COLD. ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS VOLUNTARILLY DISCARDED. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS INSIDE CABINET UNDER COFFEE STATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF COFFEE STATION CABINETS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD/DIRT BUILD UP ON FLOOR AT 3RD FLOOR PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
Jun 30, 2017
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOOD NOT LABELED IN PREP AND WALK-IN COOLERS, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE SCOOP HOLDERS NOT CLEAN, STANDING WATER AND ALSO ICE MAKER TOO NOT CLEAN BY ICE CHUTE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: SHELVES IN WALK-IN COOLER NOT CLEAN, MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE NOTED, ALSO FAN COVERS AT WALL OF PASTRY PREP AND WALK-IN COOLER WITH HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OPEN DRINKS FOR EMPLOYEES PLACED ON PREP TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP AWAY OR CAPPED.
41
82
May 22, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND 1 LB OF COOKED LOBSTER MEAT AT 61.3F, 1 LBS OF PEELED HARD BOILED EGG AT 55.4F STORED AT PREP TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40F OR LOWER, CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A) FOOD DISCARDED VALUED AT $12.
3
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: LOW TEMP DISH WASHING MACHINE NOT SANITIZING AT FINAL RINSE 0PPM AT TEST STRIP, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER SANITIZER CONCENTRATION AT FINAL RINSE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030. BY THE END OF INSPECTION TECH ARRIVED AND REPAIRED MACHINE.
8
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MULTI-USE UTENSILS IN POOR REPAIR, LOOSE WIRES NOTED ON FOOD STRAINERS, INSTRUCTED TO USE SOUND UTENSILS.
33
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLERS IN KITCHEN WITH BEARD NOT WEARING BEARD RESTRAINTS, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR..
42
82
May 19, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: DUST BUILDUP ON THE WALL BEHIND THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE ON THE 1ST FLOOR AND THE FAN VENT COVER OF THE WALK-IN COOLER ON THE 2ND FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
32
95
May 16, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES ON PREMISES IN BASEMENT KITCHEN: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER PREPARING PARSELY FOR GARNISH WITH BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED FOOD HANDLERS THAT BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOOD IS PROHIBITED. CHEF VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED PARSELY. POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES ON 1ST FLOOR KITCHEN: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER CARRYING OVER A HANDLFUL OF CURED SALMON TO THE CUTTING BOARD WITH GLOVES ON. FOOD HANDLER THEN RUBBED HANDS ON A TOWEL, THEN USED THE TOWEL TO GRAB A FRYING PAN, THEN FOOD HANDLER GRAB FOOD ITEMS WITH HIS GLOVES FOR AN OMELETTE, THEN ATTEMPTED TO GRAB A CROISSANT WITH THE SAME GLOVES. EMPLOYEE THEN REMOVED GLOVES AND ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE GLOVES WITHOUT WASHING HANDS IN BETWEEN. CHEF VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED THE FOOD ITEMS THAT CAME IN CONTACT WITH FOOD HANDLERS HAND, THE CROISSANT, AND THE OMELETTE THAT WAS BEING PREPARED. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010
6
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD AND ICE NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINTATION DURING STORAGE ON THE BAR AND INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE: FOUND UNCOVERED DISPLAYS OF CROISSSANTS, BUNS, AND OTHER READY TO EAT PASTERIES STORED ON TOP OF THE COUNTER AT THE BAR WHERE COFFEE AND ORANGE JUICE IS STORED IN THE MORNING WITH NO COVER OR SNEEZE GUARD. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED UNCOVERED READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS ON THE COUNTER. OBSERVED MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE. INSTRUCTED TO BURN ICE AND DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: DUST BUILDUP ON THE WALL BEHIND THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE ON THE 1ST FLOOR AND THE FAN VENT COVER OF THE WALK-IN COOLER ON THE 2ND FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE LOWER COMPARTMENT OF THE DEEP FRYER ON THE 2ND FLOOR AND THE CAN OPENER BLADE ON THE 2ND FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS UNDER THE DRY FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN THE BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN.
34
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 5 FOOD EMPLOYEES IN THE KITCHEN WITHOUT A PROPER HAIR RESTRAINT. ALL EMPLOYEES SHALL BE REQUIRED TO USE EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS TO CONFINE HAIR.
42
74
Jun 4, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE BIN COVERS MISSING BEHIND BARS ON MAIN FLOOR AND 2D FL. MUST PROVDE.
32
95
May 28, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 30 SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON WALL AND CEILING IN VARIOUS AREAS OF 3RD FL. PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE BIN COVERS MISSING BEHIND BARS ON MAIN FLOOR AND 2D FL. MUST PROVDE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR UNDER SHELVING IN BSMT DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL OPENING INTO SEALING ON 2ND FL. IN DISH ROOM.
35
82
Aug 20, 2014
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLOWN LIGHT BULBS IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA AND INSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING LEAKS: PLUMBING UNDER THE BASEMENT RIGHT BASIN OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE PLUMBING UNDER THE MIDDLE AND RIGHT BASIN OF THE 2ND FLOOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
90
Aug 11, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR FOOD CONTACT SURFACE OF 2 OF THE BASEMENT ICE MACHINES WITH BLACK MOLD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINES. ICE MACHINES TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
16
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLOWN LIGHT BULBS IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA AND INSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING LEAKS: PLUMBING UNDER THE BASEMENT RIGHT BASIN OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE PLUMBING UNDER THE MIDDLE AND RIGHT BASIN OF THE 2ND FLOOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
86
Nov 19, 2013
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Nico last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Nico on file is from Sep 17, 2020. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Nico?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Nico.
Has Nico's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Nico have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Nico means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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