Northdown Cafe & Taproom
Last inspected: Aug 30, 2016
86
Score
Going back to 2011, Northdown Cafe & Taproom has nine inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Aug 30, 2016. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well. Northdown Cafe & Taproom's record stops at Aug 30, 2016, more than two years back, so current conditions may differ.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around four violations each.
When inspectors have written things up, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited six times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 30, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAMD WASHING SINK INSIDE WOMAN WASHROOM DRAINING SLOW. M UST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED LEAKY FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED AT THE FRONT BAR AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FEW ITEMS NOT ELEVATED 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR IN 2ND FLOOR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST ELEVATE AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES STORED ON TOP OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
86
Sep 28, 2015
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STANDING WATER INSIDE THE SLIDE OPEN TOP COOLER AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE, CLEAN, AND TO MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE WALL MOUNTED POTATO SLICER, ALL REFRIGERATION GASKETS, AND THE DELI MEAT SLICER IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DETAIL CLEAN AND TO MAINTAIN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ROUTINELY DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FLOORS THROUGHOUT, WITH SPECIAL FOCUS ON THE BAR FLOORS, KITCHEN FLOORS (ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT), AND THE SECOND FLOOR FLOORS.
34
90
Sep 16, 2015
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 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 APPROXIMATELY 60 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE SECOND FLOOR NEAR THE DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE ALL PESTS AND EVIDENCE AND RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL PROVIDER FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020.
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS FRIES, BEEF, DAIRY, AND MORE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY THAT WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND/OR SERVED, A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH THEIR ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012(A).
21
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT # 1490881, DATED JULY 23, 2014: VIOLATION 35: "REPLACE THE MISSING CEILING DRYWALL LEFT OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT." INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO POST AND MAINTAIN A CONSUMER ADVISORY.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STANDING WATER INSIDE THE SLIDE OPEN TOP COOLER AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE, CLEAN, AND TO MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE WALL MOUNTED POTATO SLICER, ALL REFRIGERATION GASKETS, AND THE DELI MEAT SLICER IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DETAIL CLEAN AND TO MAINTAIN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ROUTINELY DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FLOORS THROUGHOUT, WITH SPECIAL FOCUS ON THE BAR FLOORS, KITCHEN FLOORS (ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT), AND THE SECOND FLOOR FLOORS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL WALLS AND CEILINGS IN THE KITCHEN, INCLUDING THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SECOND FLOOR WASHBOWL SINK HAS NO HOT WATER. (FACILITY HAS TWO OTHER WORKING AND ACCESSIBLE WASHROOMS) INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED A SMALL LEAK ON THE FAUCET NECK AT THE BAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN A WORKING THERMOMETER IN THE SECOND FLOOR WALK IN COOLER.
40
64
Jul 23, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: REPLACE OR RESURFACE THE RUSTED FOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN THE 3-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE CEILING VENTS IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND REPLACE THE MISSING CEILING DRYWALL LEFT OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
35
90
Jun 6, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD. (HANDLES, HAMBURGERS,PASTA,ETC.)SERIOUS VIOLATION.CITATION ISSUED.
21
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY.(MUST STORE INVERTED).
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND BAR FLOOR DRAINS NOT DRAINED AND FLUSHED.
34
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: WASHCLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED.
43
82
Aug 6, 2012
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: LOW TEMPERATURE CHEMICAL DISH MACHINE NOT DISPENSING SANITIZER WHILE DISHES WERE BEING WASHED.FOUND AT 0PPM AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND PROPERLY DISPENSING SANITIZER TO 100PPM, C.D.P.H. CONTACTED AT 312-746-4240 BY FAX REQUEST FOR INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL.CITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030. REPAIR PERSON ARRIVED DURING INSPECTION AND MACHINE NOW DISPENSING SANITIZER TO 100PPM.
8
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: WALL MOUNTED FRY SLICER FOUND DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, DISH MACHINE AND PREP SLICER TABLE WITH SOME DIRT AND DEBRIS ALONG BASEBOARDS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT NOZZLE ON BAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR.
38
82
Apr 22, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 4, 2011
Consultation
8 minor violations.
View 8 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 REAR SIDE DOOR MEASURED AI 1/8" ON SIDE TO 1/4" AT BOTTOM SIDE/FRONT DOOR AT 1/4" AT BOTTOM,DOORS NOT RODENT & INSECT PROOF.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY SHELVES IN REACH IN COOLERS BEHIND BAR REMOVE OR PAINT SHELVES IN COOLERS./NEED LIDS ON ALL GARBAGE CANS IN PREP AREA WHEN NOT IN USE/NEED SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN EXPOSED HAND BOWL & FRONT COUNTER
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSIDE ICE MACHINE TOP AREA,INTERIOR ON SOME COOKING EQUIPMENT NEED DETAIL CLEANING.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN KITCHEN AREA /BAR AREA NEED TO RE GROUT./MUST REPAIR FLOOR BETWEEN KITCHEN AREA & COFFEE SERVICE AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MGMT TO INSTALL COVE ALONE THE WALL THROUGHT PREMISES WERE GAPS BETWEEN WALLS & FLOORS,FRONT & REAR OF BUSINESS.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL LIGHT SHIELDS ON LIGHTS OVER PREP AREA, BEHIND BAR,FRONT PREP AREA NEXT TO KITCHEN AREA WERE COFFEE IN MADE
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL EXPOSED HAND BOWL IN FRONT SIDE PREP AREA./MUST INSTALL A BACK SIPHONAGE DEVICE ON COFFEE MACHINE
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MGMT TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES OFF PREMISES OR PROPERLY STORE AWAY
41
67
Mar 30, 2011
License
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines.//OBSERVED REAR SIDE DOOR MEASURED AI 1/8" ON SIDE TO 1/4" AT BOTTOM SIDE/FRONT DOOR AT 1/4" AT BOTTOM,DOORS NOT RODENT & INSECT PROOF.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.//OBSERVED RUSTY SHELVES IN REACH IN COOLERS BEHIND BAR REMOVE OR PAINT SHELVES IN COOLERS./NEED LIDS ON ALL GARBAGE CANS IN PREP AREA WHEN NOT IN USE/NEED SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN EXPOSED HAND BOWL & FRONT COUNTER/
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.//INSIDE ICE MACHINE TOP AREA,INTERIOR ON SOME COOKING EQUIPMENT NEED DETAIL CLEANING.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.//FLOORS IN KITCHEN AREA /BAR AREA NEED TO RE GROUT./MUST REPAIR FLOOR BETWEEN KITCHEN AREA & COFFEE SERVICE AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.//INSTRUCTED MGMT TO INSTALL COVE ALONE THE WALL THROUGHT PREMISES WERE GAPS BETWEEN WALLS & FLOORS,FRONT & REAR OF BUSINESS.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces.//MUST INSTALL LIGHT SHIELDS ON LIGHTS OVER PREP AREA, BEHIND BAR,FRONT PREP AREA NEXT TO KITCHEN AREA WERE COFFEE IN MADE.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.//MUST INSTALL EXPOSED HAND BOWL IN FRONT SIDE PREP AREA./MUST INSTALL A BACK SIPHONAGE DEVICE ON COFFEE MACHINE
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Cleaning equipment shall be properly stored away from food, utensils, equipment, and clean linens.//INSTRUCTED MGMT TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES OFF PREMISES OR PROPERLY STORE AWAY
41
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Northdown Cafe & Taproom last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Northdown Cafe & Taproom on file is from Aug 30, 2016. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Northdown Cafe & Taproom?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Northdown Cafe & Taproom.
Has Northdown Cafe & Taproom's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Northdown Cafe & Taproom have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Northdown Cafe & Taproom 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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