Philly's Best Express
Last inspected: Dec 27, 2017
95
Score
Philly's Best Express has been inspected eight times since 2011. The newest entry in the record is dated Dec 27, 2017. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well. The most recent inspection at Philly's Best Express is from Dec 27, 2017, and nothing newer appears in the public record.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around four violations across recent inspections versus roughly seven violations before.
“Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing six times across the record.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Philly's Best Express is comfortably above that bar. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 27, 2017
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: No city of chicago certified food service manager on site while potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served (beef, potatoes, etc). Instructed facility to have a certified manager on site at all times while preparing and/or serving potentially hazardous foods with original certificates posted and to maintain. Serious violation 7-38-012(a).
21
95
Jul 21, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Caulk around 3 compartment sink and exposed hand sink in rear kitchen area, in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Cooler shelving/racks not clean, had excess food debris accumulation, not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Prep tables lower shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors in 1st floor storage room under storage shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Wall, ceilings that had peeling paint, exposed plaster in 1st floor storage room, shall be repaired/sealed.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 3 compartment sink faucet leaking at neck, shall be repaired/replaced.
38
78
Dec 29, 2016
Reinspection
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKETS AT 3 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNITS AT THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND/OR REPLACE...NOTED BROKEN LID ON COVER CHEST FREEZER AT THE SECOND FLOOR FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND/OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY SPILLS OF BEEF BLOOD STAIN INSIDE REFRIGERATIONS INSIDE SECOND FLOOR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN...MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HEAVY ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE CHEST FREEZER ON THE SECOND FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGH OUT THE SECOND FLOOR FOOD STORAGE AREA AND MAINTAIN
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED DUST BY THE ACCUMULATION ON WALLS ABOVE THE WINDOW BY THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: NOTED BATH ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE FOR THE BATH ROOM DOORS AND MAINTAIN
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED BATH ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE FOR THE BATH ROOM DOORS AND MAINTAIN
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEES WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL EMPLOYEE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT LL TIMES.
45
70
Dec 14, 2016
Routine
12 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS TO BE IMPROPER:-PEPPERONI 51.8F, ITALIAN SAUSAGE 49.5F/44.6F, TURKEY 45.9F, MEATBALLS 46.5F, CHEESE 45.3F, PIZZA (ASSORTED (SAUSAGE 74.5F,CHEESE 75.2F, PEPPERONI 78.8F)). MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 7 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $15.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
3
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED HAND WASH SINK AT THE BATHROOM IN POOR REPAIR WITH NO HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT THE BATHROOM FOR BOTH EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS. (WATER SHOT OFF AND PIPES REMOVED DUE TO WATER LEAKAGE).INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS AT THE KITCHEN HAND WASH SINK BEFORE PREPPING. CRITICAL VIOLATION#7-38-030
11
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: NOTED OVER 15 RAT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR AT THE SECOND FLOOR FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-020
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED (CHICKEN, PIZZA, SALADS, SOUPS ETC). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION IS 7-38-012
21
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: NOTED WASTE WATER BACKING UP WITH GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES AT THE 2 OF THE 3 COMPARTMENTS WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM ONE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-030
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKETS AT 3 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNITS AT THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND/OR REPLACE...NOTED BROKEN LID ON COVER CHEST FREEZER AT THE SECOND FLOOR FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND/OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY SPILLS OF BEEF BLOOD STAIN INSIDE REFRIGERATIONS INSIDE SECOND FLOOR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN...MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HEAVY ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE CHEST FREEZER ON THE SECOND FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGH OUT THE SECOND FLOOR FOOD STORAGE AREA AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED DUST BY THE ACCUMULATION ON WALLS ABOVE THE WINDOW BY THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: NOTED BATH ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE FOR THE BATH ROOM DOORS AND MAINTAIN.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED SLOW WATER DRAIN AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEES WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL EMPLOYEE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT LL TIMES.
45
55
Nov 30, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE NOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS ITALIAN BEEF, STEAK SANDWICHES, PIZZA, CHICKEN WINGS ETC. INSTRUCTED ABOVE THAT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER HAS TO BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012(A)
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BROKEN CHEST FREEZER DOOR AT THE FRONT STORAGE AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE AND DIRT ON FOOD PREP AREA ON WALL BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN DISHWAHING AREA DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
78
Sep 29, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED FACILITY THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (CHICKEN AND BEEF) ARE BEING PREPARED AND/OR SERVED. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012(A).
21
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO INSTALL ADDITIONAL LIGHTING IN UPSTAIRS STORAGE AREA TO HELP PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AND BETTER FACILITATE PROPER CLEANING.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND 3 UNUSED REFRIGERATORS IN FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
41
86
Feb 13, 2013
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD LINERSON SHELVING IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGMENT TO REMOVE AND TO U8E SMOOTH LIGHT COLORED SURFACES THAT ARE WATER AND GREASE RESISTANT.N APPROVED KNIFE RACK IMPROPER STORAGE OF KNIVES IN BETWEEN SEAMS OF KITCHEN TABLES. INSTUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET A APPROVED KNIFE RACK. POP AND MILK CRATTES FOR THE ELEVATION OF FOOD PRODUCTS ARE NOT OF PROPER DESIGN. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ELEVATE FOOD PRODUCTS WITH RACKS OR PLATFORMS WITH LEGS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MEAT SLICER IN KITCHEN NEEDS CLEANING. INTERIOR OF FRYER CABINETS NEED CLEANING.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: COVEING ON FLOOR BEHIND STAND UP MIXER IN KITCHEN COMING APPART. COVING NEEDS TO BE FIXED TO THE WALL
34
86
Apr 21, 2011
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All hot food shall be stored at a temperature of 140F or higher.FOUND 15 SLICES OF ASSORTED PIZZAS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 82.3F.MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED,DENATURED SAID FOODS.TOTAL DOLLAR VALUE$ 20.00.
3
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.MUST REPLACE BROKEN GASKETS AT 3 DOOR COOLER,PROVIDE WORKING SINK STOPPERS FOR 3 COMP SINK ALSO SPLASHGUARD IS NEEDED AT EXPOSED HANDSINK IN KITCHEN NEXT TO CLEAN MULKTI-USE UTENSIL STORAGE.
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.THE FOLLOWING REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF COOLERS,DEEP FRYERS,TOPS/BOTTOMS OF FOOD PREP COOLERS,SHELVINGS THROUGHOUT,INTERIOR BASINS OF 3 COMP SINK,INTERIOR OF MOP SINK,HOOD/FILTERS AND ATTACHED EQUIPMENTS.
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 ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS ESPECIALLY BENEATH COOKING EQUIPMENTS AND 2ND FLOOR DRY STORAGE.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.FOUND LIGHT BULB AT REAR ABOVE 3 COMP SINK AREA NOT SHIELDED.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.PERSONAL BELONGINGS MUST BE STORED IN A DESIGNATED AREA NOT ON SHELVING IN KITCHEN.
41
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Philly's Best Express last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Philly's Best Express on file is from Dec 27, 2017. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Philly's Best Express?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Philly's Best Express.
Has Philly's Best Express' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Philly's Best Express have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Philly's Best Express means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
Nearby Restaurants