Parson's Chicken & Fish
Last inspected: Sep 19, 2025
86
Score
Parson's Chicken & Fish has been inspected 10 times since 2021. The latest inspection on file is from Sep 19, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near five violations each time.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, showing up nine times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Parson's Chicken & Fish on the better side of that line. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 19, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN EXPOSED HAND SINK BETWEEN RICE COOKER AND SAUCE STORAGE, ALSO AT EXPOSED HADNSINK IN BETWEEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND STOVE TOP. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARDS.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DEBRIS AND ICE BUILDUP ON THE INTERIOR OF ALL REACH-IN FREEZERS. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON THE UTILITY SINK IN THE MAIN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL TO ENSURE DEVICE CAN BE LOCATED, SERVICED, AND MAINTAINED.
51
86
Dec 27, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR AROUND THE GREASE TRAP/CONTAINER IN BASEMENT UTILITY CLOSET STORAGE AREA TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH LOOSE DEBRIS AND TRASH. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA FREE OF EXCESSIVE DEBRIS AND TRASH.
55
95
Dec 20, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF UTILITY AND HOT WATER HEATER CLOSET IN BASEMENT THAT IS ADJACENT TO FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDS ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED
38
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: NOTED TOP INTERIOR OF BIN IN ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: NOTED DRY SEASONINGS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA ON WEST WALL OF KITCHEN, IN PREP AREA AT COOKS LINE AND IN BULK CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COMMON NAMES OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: NOTED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF VARIOUS CUTTING BOARD SURFACES AT KITCHENS COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITATION BUCKETS WITH PROPER SANITATION SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USE AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED CUTTING BOARDS AT COOKS LINE WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND REFINISH, RESTORING A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOIL USED AS LINER ON BOTTOM SHELF OF FOOD PREP TABLE AT COOKS LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED CLUTTER IN BASEMENT UTILITY CLOSET AND HOT WATER HEATER CLOSET AND AREA BETWEEN BASEMENT BEER/ LIQUOR COOLER AND NORTHEAST WALL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND ELEVATE ALL KEPT ITEMS ON PROPER SHELVING THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN. ALSO NOTED UNUSED COOKING EQUIPMENT ON NORTH WALL IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING AND PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
64
Dec 12, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE CHEST FREEZER AT THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEE WASH ROOM 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
90
Aug 30, 2022
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13---TOP AND EXTERIOR OF THE DISHWASHING MACHINE AND BOTH WINDOW LEDGES ABOVE THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK WITH EXCESSIVE DIRT AND DEBRIS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11-- MUST PROVIDE AN ATTACHED DRIP PAN UNDER THE HVAC SYSTEM ABOVE THE CLEAN STORED POTS/PANS/UTENSILS TO COLLECT CONDENSATION NOTED DRIPPING FROM THE SYSTEM.----BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK. MUST REPLACE.
55
90
Aug 19, 2022
Complaint
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED APPROXIMATELY 50 LBS OF TCS FOODS WITH AN ESTIMATED VALUE OF $825.00 HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN THE COOKS LINE COOLER AND IN AN ICE BATH COLD HOLDING PAN. TCS FOODS SUCH AS SLICED TOMATOES @ 47.3F, CHICKPEAS @ 52.3F IN THE ICE BATH AND COOKED CHICKEN @ 46.4F, AND RAW FISH @ 45.6F IN THE COOKS LINE COOLER. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: NOTED THE COOKS LINE COOLER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE FOOD TEMPERATURES. COOLER TEMPERATURE WAS FOUND AT 50.5, WITH FOOD SUCH AS COOKED CHICKEN AT 46.4F. COOLER TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED, MAINTAINS A TEMPERATURE OF 41F, AND C.D.P.H. CONTACTED AND INSPECTED FOR TAG REMOVAL. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
33
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO PAPER TOWELS LOCATED AT THE WEST WALL 1ST FLOOR PREP HAND WASHING SINK OR THE OUTDOOR BAR HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 CITATION ISSUED.
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT # 2552586FROM 3-4-22 WERE NOT CORRECTED. #37- ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME, SUCH AS FLOUR.#40- NOTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS MUST WEAR BEAR RESTRAINTS.#41- WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN THE SANITIZING CONTAINERS PROVIDED IN BETWEEN USE, NOT ON PREP SURFACES.#55-: BROKEN/UNUSED COOLER IN THE BASEMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.#55--EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE CEILING VENTS ABOVE THE CLEAN STORED POTS AND PANS.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.#55- MISSING BASEBOARD FLOOR/WALL COVING UNDER THE 1ST FLOOR KITCHEN 2 COMPARTMENT SINK. WALL WITH OPEN SEAM/GAPS. MUST PROVIDE COVING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO SOAP IS AVAILABLE AT THE OUTDOOR BAR HAND WASHING SINK, AND A BROKEN SOAP DISPENSER WITH SOAP IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE BAR HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE KITCHEN WEST WALL HAND WASHING SINK BETWEEN THE SINK AND STORED CLEAN FLATWARE AND THE LEFT SIDE OF THE COOKS LINE HAND SINK BETWEEN THE SINK AND THE GRILL.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED COOKS LINE KNIVES BEING STORED BETWEEN THE PREP COOLER COLD HOLDING PAN AND THE FRAME OF THE COOLER. MUST PROVIDE PROPER KNIFE HOLDER.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: BROKEN UNATTACHED DOOR ON THE COOKS LINE COOLER. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE TO BE TIGHT FITTING AND SECURE.---BROKEN DOOR HANDLE REPAIRED WITH DUCT TAPE ON THE BOX FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REPLACE/REMOVE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: TOP AND EXTERIOR OF THE DISHWASHING MACHINE AND BOTH WINDOW LEDGES ABOVE THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK WITH EXCESSIVE DIRT AND DEBRIS.----EXTREMELY DIRTY UTILITY SERVICE SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: TABLE TOP CAN OPENER WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.----ICE CREAM/DESSERT BOX FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT WITH FOOD DEBRIS/SPILLAGE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES MUST NOT STORE BICYCLES IN THE BASEMENT WHERE FOOD IS STORED/PREPPED OR IN AREAS OF FOOD PREPARATION.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE AN ATTACHED DRIP PAN UNDER THE HVAC SYSTEM ABOVE THE CLEAN STORED POTS/PANS/UTENSILS TO COLLECT CONDENSATION NOTED DRIPPING FROM THE SYSTEM.----MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS TO SECURE ELECTRICAL WIRING ON THE FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN.----MUST NOT USE PLASTIC WRAP AS A FLOOR DRAIN COVER AT THE BAR AREA----BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK. MUST REPLACE.----FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS/FOOD SPILLAGE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES MUST NOT STORE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS. MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES STORED BELONGINGS.
56
39
Mar 4, 2022
Complaint
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 1 LB COOKED CHICKEN IN A HOT HOLDING UNIT AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 114.3F. REVIEWED HOT FOODS MUST BE HELD AT A MINIMUM OF 135F OR ABOVE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
21
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS ASSORTED PREPARED TCS FOODS THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER SUCH AS COOKED CHICKEN HELD LONGER THAN 24 HOURS WITHOUT PROPER DATE LABELING OF AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO SOAP AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO PAPER TOWELS LOCATED AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND AT THE BAR. MUST PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION SEE THE ABOVE CITATION #10 FOR CITATION.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT THE BASEMENT COFFEE PREP STATION OR REMOVE THE COFFEE PREP STATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME SUCH AS FLOUR.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: COFFEE PREP STATION IN THE BASEMENT NOTED UNDER WASTE WATER PIPING. MUST NOT HAVE COFFEE PREP TABLES/MACHINES UNDER WASTE WATER PIPING.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: NOTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS MUST WEAR BEAR RESTRAINTS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN THE SANITIZING CONTAINERS PROVIDE IN BETWEEN USE NOT ON PREP SURFACES.
41
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: FOOD SCOOPS ON THE COOKS LINE MUST HAVE HANDLES.
45
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MISSING BASEBOARD FLOOR/WALL COVING UNDER THE 1ST FLOOR KITCHEN 2 COMPARTMENT SINK. WALL WITH OPEN SEAM/GAPS. MUST PROVIDE COVING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST REPLACE/PROVIDE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: RAW WOOD WALL MOUNTING FOR THE SPRAY ARM AT THE DISH AREA THREE COMPARTMENT SINK MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED/NON-ABSORBENT.----EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE CEILING VENTS ABOVE THE CLEAN STORED POTS AND PANS AND PEELING/CHIPPING PAINT ON THE WALL AT THE SAME AREA IN THE 1ST FLR. KITCHEN. MUST CLEAN AND REMOVE PEELING PAINT.----BASEBOARD AT THRESHOLD TO THE 1ST FLOOR KITCHEN FROM THE DINING ROOM WITH DEEP GROOVE/MISSING FLOOR. MUST SEAL/REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BROKEN/UNUSED COOLER IN THE BASEMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.
55
37
Sep 22, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: FOUND NO DATE ON THE TAG WHEN THE LAST OYSTER WAS SOLD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION WAS ISSUED.7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
14
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON DRYING RACKS.MUST STORE INVERTED.
44
86
Sep 8, 2021
Complaint
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND TCS FOODS INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES 55 POUNDS OF RAW BREADED CHICKEN AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 48.7F THROUGH 53.2F, 5POUNDS SHRIMP AT 52.3F, 1 POUND SLICED TOMATOES AT 47.5F, 2 QUARTS BUTTERMILK AT 49.1F, AND 5POUNDS HUSH PUPPY SAUCE AT 51.7F. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005. DISPOSED OF 70 POUNDS OF TCS FOODS.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: FOUND REACH-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES. REACH IN COOLER AT 52.3F.PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005. TAGGED REACH-IN COOLER.
33
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-010.MUST PROVIDE.
3
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: FOUND NO DATE ON THE TAG WHEN THE LAST OYSTER WAS SOLD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION WAS ISSUED.7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
14
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON DRYING RACKS.MUST STORE INVERTED.
44
58
May 27, 2021
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Parson's Chicken & Fish last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Parson's Chicken & Fish on file is from Sep 19, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Parson's Chicken & Fish?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Parson's Chicken & Fish.
Has Parson's Chicken & Fish's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Parson's Chicken & Fish have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Parson's Chicken & Fish 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 Parson's Chicken & Fish inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Parson's Chicken & Fish is inspected around two times per year on average.
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