Palermo's Restaurant
Last inspected: Apr 25, 2025
86
Score
Palermo's Restaurant has been inspected 15 times since 2011. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 25, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around five violations to closer to three violations per visit.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing seven times across the record.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Palermo's Restaurant on the better side of that line. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 25, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT HANDWASH SINKS IN TOILET ROOMS. INSTD TO PROVIDE SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN
10
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: RUBBER GASKETS OF COOLERS, AND EXTERIOR OF BROASTER NOT CLEAN, FOOD DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: LIGHT OUT IN STORAGE AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
56
86
Jul 30, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: FOOD CONTAINERS ON FLOOR IN STORAGE AREA. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES AND MAINTAIN.
39
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN, GREASE AND DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME.
55
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: MISSING THERMOMETER IN PREP COOLER. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
36
86
Aug 25, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FRYERS, STOVE, STORAGE SHELVES OF ALL COOLERS NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALK IN COOLER FLOOR NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME
55
90
Nov 9, 2022
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: HANDWASH SIGNAGE MISSING AT HANDWASH SINKS. INSTD TO PROVIDE SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: ALUMINUM FOIL AND PAPER LINING ON STORAGE SHELVES. INSTD TO REMOVE SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: EXCESSIVE DUST/DEBRIS ON UNUSED EQUIPMENT. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT, UNDERNEATH COOKING LINE AND ALONG WALLBASE THROUGH OUT NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DIRT/DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME
55
82
Feb 5, 2021
Non-Inspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REAR RECEIVING DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY SECURE THE OUTER OPENING AND MAINTAIN.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF WALK IN COOLER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD BUILD UP ON SHELVES AND STORAGE RACKS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: WHEELS ON STORAGE RACKS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: GARBAGE CAN IN LADIES ROOM MUST BE COVERED AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE GARBAGE CAN IN LADIES ROOM WITH COVER.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS AND WALLS IN PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND SPLATTERS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Oct 25, 2019
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL STOCK SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PRESET TABLEWARE NOT INVERTED OR COVERED. ALL PRESET TABLEWARE SHALL BE WRAPPED, COVERED, OR INVERTED TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUST DEPOSITS ON SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE RUST DEPOSITS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
78
Oct 18, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AN IRREVERSIBLE INDICATOR TO MEASURE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 50 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON BOTTOM SHELVES IN REAR STORAGE AREA, 20 MICE DROPPINGS ON WOODEN LEDGE IN HOT WATER TANK ROOM IN FRONT PREP AREA, 10-15 FLYING INSECTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER SANITIZER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT REAR HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL STOCK SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WASHCLOTHS O PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PRESET TABLEWARE NOT INVERTED OR COVERED. ALL PRESET TABLEWARE SHALL BE WRAPPED, COVERED, OR INVERTED TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUST DEPOSITS ON SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE RUST DEPOSITS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, DUST BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN PREP, STORAGE AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
39
Nov 9, 2018
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDSINKS. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: SHELF LINING ON STORAGE SHELVES IN DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE LINING SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED. INSTD TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE VERIFICATION.
58
82
Aug 21, 2017
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER, AND 3 DOOR COOLER STORAGE SHELVES NOT CLEAN INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALSO CLEAN DISH STORAGE SHELVES.ALSO CLEAN BAR GUN HOLDER AT THE FRONT BAR.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR NOT CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND THE STORAGE SHELVES IN THE DISH/REAR STORAGE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WALL IN THE DOUGH ROOM WITH A BLACK SUBSTANCE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/RESEAL.ALSO IN THE PIZZA COOKING AREA CLEAN/REPAINT WALLS AND CEILING.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDDIPPED ICE CREAM NO DIPPERWELL, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DIPPERWELL.CONNECTED TO COLD WATER AND PROPERLY ATTACHED TO A DRAIN. ALSO FRONT BAR GUN HOLDER TO PROPER DRAIN LINE.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE/DISH AREA, INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ITEMS NOT BEING USED.
41
78
Jul 21, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUBBER GASKETS ON REACH IN COOLER DOORS IN NEED OF REPAIRING OR REPLACING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN FRYERS TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE TO REMOVE BUILD UP. CLEAN HOOD VENTILATION TO REMOVE GREASE AND DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
Aug 19, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WALK-IN COOLER STORAGE SHELVES NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. ALSO CLEAN 2 DOOR COOLER FAN GUARD COVER, AND DEFROST SMALL BOX FREEZER.FOUND REAR DOUGH PREP AREA TABLE, AND MIXERS NO CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WALL BEHIND THE DISH MACHINE.
35
90
Jul 3, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY COOLER STORAGE RACKS IN THE REAR WALK-IN COOLER, AND BAR KEG COOLER RUSTY INTERIOR,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN CUTTING BOARDS, SLICER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ALSO DEFROST SIDE UPRIGHT FREEZER AND CLEAN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING VENTS NOT CLEAN/DUSTY, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE THE DUST. OBSERVED REAR WALL/CEILING LIGHT SHIELD NOT CLEAN (TOMATO SAUCE SPLASHES), INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
35
86
Feb 25, 2013
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS INCLUDING WHEELS NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE GREASE DEBRIS. CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: STOCK ON FLOOR. ELEVATE 6 INCHES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING WALLBASE TILES IN REAR.
35
86
Jun 28, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NEW CUTTING BOARDS NEEDED IN PREP KITCHEN. WORN DISCOLORED. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: STOVES IN MAIN KITCHEN IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP IN MAIN KITCHEN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL IN NEED OF CLEANING IN BOTH PREP AREAS TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELDS IN PIZZA PREP IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
36
78
Jun 30, 2011
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
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. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF CLEANING: SHELVES IN WALKIN COOLER, WALK IN FREEZER, INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS, POP GUN HOLDERS, TO REMOVE ALL BUILD AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
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 THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP ALONG WALL BASES,AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
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. Use dustless cleaning methods. CEILING TILES IN NEED OF REPLACING WHERE MISSING IN STOREAGE AREAS.
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. Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. LIGHT SHEILD IN NEED OF REPLACE WHERE BROKEN. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. 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. FAUCETS AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKING IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. AIR VENTS IN WALK IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Palermo's Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Palermo's Restaurant on file is from Apr 25, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Palermo's Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Palermo's Restaurant.
Has Palermo's Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Palermo's Restaurant 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 Palermo's Restaurant 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 Palermo's Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Palermo's Restaurant is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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