Pippins Tavern
Last inspected: Dec 8, 2025
52
Score
Public records show nine inspections at Pippins Tavern stretching back to 2021. The newest entry in the record is dated Dec 8, 2025. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near five violations per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable”, showing up six times.
Pippins Tavern's latest score of 52 falls below the Chicago average of 81. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
9
Inspections
2
Critical latest
2
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 8, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER TO BE IMPROPER:-CHICKEN 48.6F/45.9F,PASTA 49.9F/45F, BEEF 44.9F,PICO DE GALLO 45.1F, SOUP 47.1F,EGGS 45.1F, CHICKEN WINGS 45.8F, ASSORTED SAUCES 45.6F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 40 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $60.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: EQUIPMENT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE. NOTED TEMPERATURE OF WALK IN COOLER AT THE PREP AREA TO BE IMPROPER AT 45.6F. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE EQUIPMENT UNTIL MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NOTED HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE WITH THE TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE (GUAGE) NOT MAINTAINED. NOTED HIGH TEMPERATUR DISH WASHING MACHINE GUAGE WITH READING OF 00F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE, CHICKEN SOUPS ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES AT THE DINNING TABLES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED LOOSE AND MISSING KNOTS ON LID OF SERVICE PREP COOLERS AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
52
Dec 26, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
95
Dec 20, 2024
Complaint
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: NOTED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. EQUIPMENT MUST PROPERLY SANITIZE AT A MINIMUM OF 50 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNIT UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (CDPH). TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITH NO CLEAN UP KIT & PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP A CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES THAT CORRESPOND WITH ON-SITE PLAN. MUST KEEP BOTH THE POLICY AND SUPPLIES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND SINK IN LOWER-LEVEL BAR NOT ACCESSIBLE. BASIN HAD STRAINER AND DISH RACKS ON TOP. INSTRUCTED THAT SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AND MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THE DATE ON ALL SHELLFISH TAGS, WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED; AND STORE ALL SHELLFISH TAGS IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER FOR AT LEAST 90 DAYS FROM THE SALE DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
14
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NOTED �FACILITY DID NOT PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE FOR EMPLOYEES WORKING ON SITE. INFORMED A CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH A CURRENT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES AND A VALID MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE WHENEVER TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND/OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN LOWER-LEVEL PREP AREA. NOTED LOWER LEVEL PREP AREA FLOOR GROUT MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
58
50
May 24, 2024
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SIGNAGE MISSING FROM HANDWASHING SINKS AT 1ST FLOOR AND BASEMENT BAR AREAS, AND BASEMENT SERVER STATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE TO ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
10
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FISH RECEIVED FROZEN IN REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING THAWING WHILE STILL IN REDUCED OXYGEN ENVIRONMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FISH RECEIVED FROZEN IN REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING PRIOR TO THAWING OR IMMEDIATELY UPON COMPLETION OF THAWING AND MAINTAIN.
35
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TOP-DOOR COOLER IN THE BASEMENT BAR AREA MISSING HANDLE AND LID TRACKS IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE LID HANDLE AND TRACKS AND MAINTAIN ALL EQUIPMENT IN GOOD REPAIR.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINES IN BASEMENT AREA AND COMPRESSORS ON SEVERAL COOLERS THROUGHOUT 1ST FLOOR BAR AND BASEMENT KITCHEN AREA TO BE SOILED WITH DUST AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK FAUCET IN REAR KITCHEN AREA TO BE LEAKING, BUT FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE FAUCET FIXTURE AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES FREE OF LEAKS AND IN GOOD REPAIR.
51
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT IN THE WASTE RECEPTACLE STORAGE ENCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND MAINTAIN WASTE RECEPTACLE ENCLOSURE CLEAN.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PHYSICAL FACILITIES TO BE SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: WALLS AND FLOORS BENEATH SHELVES IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA, FLOORS BENEATH SOILED UTENSIL COUNTER AND LINEN BASKET IN THE WAREWASHING AREA, FLOORS ALONG BASE COVING AND BENEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS, WALLS, AND CEILINGS AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
55
70
Aug 30, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 22, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 3 LBS TURKEY @94.3F AND 8 LBS OF COOKED HAM @95.8 ALL LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA CARVING STATION AT IMPROPER TEMPERAURES. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL HOT HELD TCS FOODS AT 135F OR HIGHER. PIC VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005.
21
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIMES BEING HANDLED BY FOOD EMPLOYEE AND BARTENDER (SLICING, SHAVING AND JUICING) LIMES AT BAR TOP IN FACILITY WITH BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO USE SUITABLE UTENSILS OR GLOVES WHEN HANDLING READY TO EAT FOODS AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED. SQUEEZED LIME JUICE AND CUT LIMES WERE DISCARDED VOLUNTARILY BY PERSON IN CHARGE. PRIORITY
9
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING CHICKEN, HAM, TURKEY, SLICED TOMATOES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT LEAST ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BLACK AND PINK SLIME SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR LID OF LARGE ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ON TO ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. ICE MACHINE IS LOCATED IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ANS SANITIZE ICE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLAION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR SHALL BE PROVIDED AND READYLY ACCESSIBLE FOR MEASURING THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
48
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE COMPLETION ON SITE FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY.
58
52
Nov 9, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Variance obtained for specialized processing methods
Inspector notes: Observed 10 lbs of on site vacuum packaged raw meat in prep cooler with No approved HACCP plan, found cryovac machine in main Kitchen. Machine is tagged. Instructed manager to discontinue such process until proper variance is obtained from the office of CDPH. priority foundation violation 7-38-005. food discarded valued at $30.
32
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: food scoops stored in standing water, instructed to store according to health code, ie.
43
86
Nov 9, 2021
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND RUSTY RACKS INSIDE OF THE 1ST FLOOR BAR COOLER. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR.
47
95
Sep 30, 2021
License
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND NO HOT WATER AT THE HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE LOWER LEVEL DISH AREA; WATER IS AT 80.0 F. MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER WITH A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100 F AND MAXIMUM OF 120 F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
10
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: EQUIPMENT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE; NOTED TEMPERATURE OF 2 PREP COOLERS IN THE LOWER LEVEL COOKS LINE TO BE 75 F AND 44 F. MUST REPAIR SO THAT EQUIPMENT MAINTAINS PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
33
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C).
38
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SINK IN THE LOWER LEVEL COFFEE PREP AREA. A HANDWASHING SINK MUST BE LOCATED TO ALLOW CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES IN ALL FOOD DISPENSING AREAS; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-030(C).
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: DUMP SINK AT THE 1ST FLOOR BAR IS SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A PREP/DUMP SINK IN THE LOWER LEVEL BAR.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE LOWER LEVEL EMPLOYEE RESTROOM.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND AIR DUCT INSULATION IN DISREPAIR IN THE BACK STORAGE AREA LOCATED OFF THE KITCHEN. MUST REPAIR.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED STORM WATER PIPES LOCATED ABOVE LIQUOR STORAGE AREA. MUST PROVIDE A WATERPROOF ENCASEMENT FOR PIPES LOCATED DIRECTLY OVER BEER KEGS, LIQUOR BOTTLES, AND OTHER ALCOHOL.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND RUSTY RACKS INSIDE OF THE 1ST FLOOR BAR COOLER. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR.
47
39
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pippins Tavern last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pippins Tavern on file is from Dec 8, 2025. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pippins Tavern?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Pippins Tavern.
Has Pippins Tavern's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Pippins Tavern have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Pippins Tavern means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Pippins Tavern inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Pippins Tavern is inspected around two times per year on average.
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