Plein Air
Last inspected: Nov 13, 2025
67
Score
Plein Air appears in inspection records 15 times, starting in 2014. On Nov 13, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around two violations to closer to five violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” is the recurring theme, flagged six times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 13, 2025
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTI-USE TRAYS STORED ON FLOOR UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE-WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE AND STORE MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR IN OUTSIDE STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR
45
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING AND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND/OR EQUIPMENT.
57
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
67
Dec 13, 2024
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND SMALL BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS IN STORAGE AREA NOT LABELED AS REQUIRED; INSTRUCTED TO LABEL CONTAINERS AS REQUIRED AND MAINTAIN.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: THE DOOR TO THE ICE MACHINE IS LOOSE; INSTRUCTED TO TIGHTEN DOOR ON RIGHT SIDE. (DOOR DOES CLOSE BUT A SCREW IS LOOSE OR MISSING).
47
90
Dec 6, 2024
Complaint
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED AS REQUIRED; MUST CORRECT. #57 INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. #58 INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: ONLY ONE PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE WASHROOM LOCATED IN RESTAURANT. RESTAURANT SERVES LIQUOR (PACKAGED GOODS AND CONSUMPTION ON PREMISES, PLUS OUTDOOR PATIO IN SEASON) AND IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A MINIMUM OF 2 PUBLICALY ACCESSIBLE WASHROOMS. ESTABLISHMENT IS NOT FOLLOWING THE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED VARIANCE PUT IN PLACE TO USE THE WASHROOMS LOCATED IN THE BOOKSTORE IN THE BUILDING. MUST COMPLY WITH THE VARIANCE TO OPERATE RESTAURANT DURING THE HOURS THAT THE BOOKSTORE IS OPEN AND/OR HAVE ACCESS TO THE BOOKSTORE WHEN RESTAURANT IS OPEN AND BOOKSTORE IS CLOSED. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH VARIANCE, INSTALL ANOTHER FULL WASHROOM IN THE RESTAURANT OR REMOVE SEATS IN THE RESTAURANT TO ACCOMODATE NO MORE THAN 30 PERSONS SEATED ON SITE, INCLUDING WORKING EMPLOYEES, DURING OPERATION. MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY COMBINATION OF EMPLOYEESS AND SEATS TO BE 30 OR LESS. A PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
53
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND SMALL BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS IN STORAGE AREA NOT LABELED AS REQUIRED; INSTRUCTED TO LABEL CONTAINERS AS REQUIRED AND MAINTAIN.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: THE DOOR TO THE ICE MACHINE IS LOOSE; INSTRUCTED TO TIGHTEN DOOR ON RIGHT SIDE. (DOOR DOES CLOSE BUT A SCREW IS LOOSE OR MISSING)
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENTS IN THE DINING AREA ABOVE DINING TABLES AND VENT ON THE WASHROOM CEILING TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
55
70
Jun 13, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ON THE VENTILATION FAN ON THE CEILING OF THE WASHROOM; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN VENT TO REMOVE DUST. FLOORS AROUND AND BEHIND SOME KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEED CLEANING; CLEAN WHERE NEEDED.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
86
Nov 7, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SPONGE AT FRONT AREA. RECOMMENDED TO CHANGE SPONGE MORE FREQUENTLY. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF CABINETS UNDER HAND SINK IN NEED OF CEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
49
90
May 18, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND A WRITTEN PROCEDURE BUT NO SUPPLIES FOR CLEANING IN CASE OF A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT. MUST PROVIDE SUPPLIES AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE PREP AREA UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE CEILING VENT IN THE KITCHEN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED ON THE VENT.
55
86
Sep 1, 2020
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK AT BACK OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FROM LINES. MUST REPAIR.
51
95
Dec 2, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH A DISCLOSURE NOTICE AND A REMINDER STATEMENT FOR RAW/UNDER COOKED FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE UNUSED WIPING CLOTHS IN ADEQUATE CHEMICAL SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
86
Jun 5, 2018
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD AND DRINKS DISPLAYED FOR SALE.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: REMOVE DUST BUILDUP ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLER IN FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REMOVE DUST AND GREASE BUILDUP ON FILTERS INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA. PROVIDE DROP CEILING IN FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA. WALLS AND CEILINGS MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINS IN CEILING IN FRONT PREP AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD IN DISH WASHING AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VENTILATION FAN NOT OPERABLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER REPAIR VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS IN FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WASH CLOTHS ON FOOD CONTACT SURFACES, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
67
May 26, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LOOSE RUBBER GASKET AT THE COOLER DOOR ACROSS FROM THE SALAD COOLER; REPAIR OR REPLACE RUBBER GASKET AT COOLER.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ON THE VENTS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE HOODED SYSTEM; CLEAN VENTS TO REMOVE DUST.
35
90
Aug 19, 2016
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALLS BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR STAFF AS REQUIRED.
45
90
Aug 5, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALLS BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR STAFF AS REQUIRED.
45
90
Sep 29, 2015
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILE IN DINING AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DUST FROM VENTILATION UNIT IN PREP AREA,OVER HEAD PIPES AND WINDOW LEDGES IN PREP AREA,DEAD INSECTS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN DISH WASHING AREA.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER FOR HOT HOLDING UNIT.
40
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
45
74
Sep 2, 2015
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF 2- DOOR PREP COOLER AT 48.2F AND 2- DRAWER PREP COOLER AT 46.7F IN PREP AREA WITH POTENTIALLY HAZADOUS READY TO EAT AND COOKED FOODS STORED INSIDE FOR SALE.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT ONCE REPAIRED FAX LETTER TO (312)746-4240 WHEN READY.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 40.0F OR BELOW.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF COOKED AND READY TO EAT FOODS STORED INSIDE OF 2- DOOR PREP COOLER AND 2- DRAWER COOLERS SUCH AS 3LBS.GOAT CHEESE SANDWICHES72.4F-73.5F,2LBS.HAM SANDWICHES 73.7F-74.1F,2LBS.CHICKEN SANDWICES 71.5F-73.3F,1.5LBS SLICED HAM 44.7F-45.6F,2.5 LBS SLICED PROCUTTIO 47.5F- 48.7F,9.73 LBS MEATLOAF 44.9F-45.4F,2.29 LBS COOKED MUSHROOMS 50.5F,1LB. BOILED EGGS 47.4F,1LB.FRENCH TOAST BATTER 47.4F,12 DOZEN RAW SHEELED EGGS 47.2F-48.7.PRODUCT WAS DUMPED AND DENATURED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING AT 40.0F OR BELOW.APPX.37.02LBS.$131.50.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
3
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILE IN DINING AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DUST FROM VENTILATION UNIT IN PREP AREA,OVER HEAD PIPES AND WINDOW LEDGES IN PREP AREA,DEAD INSECTS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN DISH WASHING AREA.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER FOR HOT HOLDING UNIT.
40
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
45
67
Mar 17, 2014
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Plein Air last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Plein Air on file is from Nov 13, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Plein Air?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Plein Air.
Has Plein Air's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Plein Air have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Plein Air means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Plein Air inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Plein Air is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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