Pockets
Last inspected: Feb 24, 2025
90
Score
Public records show 21 inspections at Pockets stretching back to 2010. Pockets was last inspected on Feb 24, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
Across the inspection history, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded nine times.
Pockets' latest score of 90 sits above the Chicago average of 81. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
21
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 24, 2025
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: NOTED BULK DRY INGREDIENTS IN CONTAINTERS STORED ON FRONT PREP TABLE WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS OF COMMON NAMES FOR ALL ITEMS REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED ON BASEMENT FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE. ALL KEPT ITEMS ARE TO BE STORED ON PROPER SHELVING THAT IS NON-POROUS, SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN AND A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.
55
90
Feb 21, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE CEILING PREP AREA LIGHT BULB NOT PROPERLY WORKING (ABOVE OVEN). INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPLACE WITH PROPERLY WORKING CEILING LIGHT BULB.
56
95
Mar 27, 2023
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: PLASTIC UTENSILS USED FOR COSTUMERS MUST BE INVERT AT FRONT PREP/SERVING AREA
43
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS, BOXED TOGO CONTAINERS, MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT ALL AREAS.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: RUSTY SHELVES INSIDE THE PREP COOLER IN PREP AREA ALSO PREP TABLE.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE. MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS, PROIVIDE RAISED SHELVES
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROPER SINK STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ACCUMULATED GRIMES AND FOOD DEBRIS ON RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE CABINETS OF PREP COOLER IN PREP AREA
49
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: A BUCKET WITH SANITIZE SOLUTION AND LINEN MUST BE PROVIDED AT PREP TABLES
41
74
Oct 26, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR MULTIPLE CRACKS, HOLES, AND OPENINGS ON WALLS AND CEILING OF THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE.
55
95
May 18, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 10, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM 5-5-20 REPORT #2370113 NOT CORRECTED. #55- ALL ITEMS(BOXES, DISHES, EQUIPMENT, UNUSED EQUIPMENT ETC)STORED ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT MUST BE RE-ORGANIZED, REMOVE WHAT IS NOT NEEDED. ELEVATE ITEMS NEEDED AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
60
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOODS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST NOT STORE A FLY SWATTER WITH CLEAN UTENSILS.----MUST PROVIDE LIDS/COVERS FOR STORED FROZEN DESSERTS IN THE REAR REACH-IN FREEZER.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WET WIPING CLOTHS IN THE PREP AREA MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: CLEAN, DRYING LINENS MUST NOT BE STORED HANGING ABOVE THE WASHBASIN OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WHERE DIRTY DISHES ARE BEING WASHED. MUST PROPERLY STORE CLEAN LINENS TO DRY.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: TABLE TOP CAN OPENER NOTED DIRTY WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: SHELVING ABOVE THE PREP TWO-DOOR COOLER NOTED DIRTY WITH FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING ON TOP OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK GREASE TRAP. IT MUST BE A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WET MOP HEADS MUST BE STORED INVERTED IN THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK FOR PROPER DRYING. NOT IN THE SERVICE SINK BASIN.
55
64
May 5, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: BEGINNING OF MINERAL AT ICE CHUTE OF SELF SERVE ICE MACHINE.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: SOME REACH IN COOLERS MISSING THERMOMETERS. MUST PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS.
36
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL ITEMS(BOXES,DISHES,EQUIPMENT,UNUSED EQUIPMENT ETC)STORED ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT MUST BE RE-ORGANIZED,REMOVE WHATS NOT NEEDED.ELEVATE ITEMS NEEDED AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Oct 22, 2019
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: BEGINNING OF MINERAL AT ICE CHUTE OF SELF SERVE ICE MACHINE.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
16
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: FOOD TRAYS STORED ON TOP CARD BOARDS ON FLOOR MUST BE RELOCATED TO SHELVES FOR PROPER STORAGE. MANAGER CORRECTED ISSUE BY STORING ITEMS ON SHELVES
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR OF CHEST FREEZER BY STORAGE AREA LID WITH EXCESS RUST,REPAIR/REPLACE UNIT,SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL ITEMS(BOXES,DISHES,EQUIPMENT,UNUSED EQUIPMENT ETC)STORED ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT MUST BE RE-ORGANIZED,REMOVE WHAT NOT NEEDED.ELEVATE ITEMS NEEDED AND MAINTAIN
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS STORED ON SHELVES AT FOOD STORAGE AREA,MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE A SEPARATE AREA FOR EMPLOYEE BELONGING
56
78
Sep 11, 2018
Routine
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-201.11 FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-012(A)MUST PROVIDE.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 FOUND SOME PREPARED FOOD INSIDE REACH IN COOLER WITH NO SEVEN DAY CONSUME BY DATES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005 MUST LABEL PREPARED FOOD INSIDE COOLERS HELD MORE THAN 24HOURS WITH A SEVEN DAY CONSUME BY DATE.
23
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGERS WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
58
70
Oct 3, 2017
Recent Inspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLEAR LIQUID LEAKING FROM ICE MACHINE ON TOP OF SODA FOUNTAIN ONTO THE COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE LEAK.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST ELIMINATE STANDING WATER IN BASEMENT NEAR HOT WATER HEATER AND ALONG THE RIGHT WALL (WHEN STANDING WITH BACK TO STAIRS AT BASEMENT ENTRY).
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS ON LIGHT FIXTURES IN REAR HALL STORAGE AREA.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE MOPS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
41
82
Sep 20, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (PIZZA POCKETS, CHICKEN) PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES, WITH ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED, WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLEAR LIQUID LEAKING FROM ICE MACHINE ON TOP OF SODA FOUNTAIN ONTO THE COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE LEAK.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST ELIMINATE STANDING WATER IN BASEMENT NEAR HOT WATER HEATER AND ALONG THE RIGHT WALL (WHEN STANDING WITH BACK TO STAIRS AT BASEMENT ENTRY).
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS ON LIGHT FIXTURES IN REAR HALL STORAGE AREA.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE MOPS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
41
78
Jan 12, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE CAULKING HAS DETERIORATED AROUND THE BASIN OF THE MOP SINK, CAUSING A GAP WITH THE WALL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE CAULKING.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK IN THE WASTE PIPING, WHICH IS LEAKING ONTO THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE LEAK.
38
90
May 3, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NEW VIOLATION NOTED. LEAK UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK REPAIRED WITH TAPE. MUST PROPERLY REPAIR.
38
95
Apr 25, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: SUMMARY REPORT GIVEN ON 5-6-15 NOT VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. OBSERVED COVERED UP BY RETAIL FOOD LICENSE AND UNABLE TO SEE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010(B).
28
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM 5-6-15 #1537709 NOT CORRECTED. #32- OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON COOLERS AND PIZZA PREP COOLER GASKET (RIGHT SIDE) REPAIRED WITH TAPE, INTERIOR METAL DOOR BENT AND IN POOR REPAIR INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER.
32
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL UNUSED ITEMS STORED THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT MUST BE REMOVED AND ALL OTHER ITEMS MUST BE STORED ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED 6" OR ABOVE FROM FLOORS.
41
82
May 6, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 10 POUNDS OF CHICKEN (VALUED AT $31) AT 54.1F IN THE 3 DOOR REACH IN COOLER. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED SAID PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED FACILITY THAT ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST BE KEPT AT 40F OR BELOW OR 140F OR ABOVE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A). (OPERATOR STATED THAT CHICKEN HAD JUST COME OUT OF MICROWAVE TO THAW. INSTRUCTED THAT THAWING FROZEN FOODS IN A MICROWAVE CAN ONLY BE USED AS A PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS AND SAID FOOD CAN NOT BE COOLED DOWN AGAIN. INSTRUCTED TO SEE HAACP COMMENTS GUIDANCE ON CORRECT METHODS FOR THAWING)
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON ALL COOLERS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT DIRT ACCUMULATION ON THE UPPER INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST AND DIRT ACCUMULATION ON THE EXHAUST HOOD FILTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE THERMOMETER IN THE WALK IN COOLER NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OUT OF COMPLIANCE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN.
45
74
Nov 6, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RAW WOODEN SHELVING IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA MUST BE PAINTED OR SEALED MUST NOT USE TINFOIL AS A LINER FOR SHELVING IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: STOPPERS IS NEEDED AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE. NO CHEMICAL TEST TRIPS ON PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FROM BASEMENT TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
86
Feb 28, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 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 WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS BBQ CHICKEN, CALZONES, SALADAS, PIZZA SOUP ETC. INSTRUCTED ABOVE TO OPERATE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHES STORED ON TOP OF FOOD PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
42
90
Mar 12, 2013
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND COATS STORED ON SHELVING UNITS.(MUST REMOVE)
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT SWEPT BEHIND REACHIN COOLERS.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND REAR STORAGE AREAS NOT CLEAN AND ORGANIZED.
41
86
Jun 20, 2012
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REAR EXIT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR. RUSTY AND SEALED/REPAIRED WITH DUCT TAPE. MUST PROPERLY REPAIR OR REPLACE.
32
95
Jun 12, 2012
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE WASTE RECEPTACLE LOCATED ON SIDE STREET SIDEWALK OVERFLOWING WITH GARBAGE BAGS OF FOOD DEBRIS AND LIDS UNABLE TO CLOSE. RECOMMEND OBTAINING ADDITIONAL PICK-UP TIMES, LARGER OR ADDITIONAL CONTAINERS. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020. MUST REMOVE ALL OVERFLOWING GARBAGE.
19
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REAR EXIT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR. RUSTY AND SEALED/REPAIRED WITH DUCT TAPE. MUST PROPERLY REPAIR OR REPLACE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED THROUGHOUT BASEMENT AND REAR HALLWAY STORAGE MUST BE REMOVED AND ALL OTHERS MUST STORE ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED.
34
86
Feb 8, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
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. THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT IS NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. SECTIONS OF CONCRETE FLOOR ARE BROKEN UP AND MISSING. THERE ARE ALSO OPENINGS IN THE CONCRETE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT. MUST REPAIR FLOOR AND SEAL ANY OPENINGS TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY.
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. OBSERVED OPENINGS IN THE BOTTOM OF THE FOUNDATION WALLS IN THE BASEMENT. MUST FILL IN WITH CONCRETE TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY.
35
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pockets last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pockets on file is from Feb 24, 2025. The public record contains 21 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pockets?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Pockets.
Has Pockets' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Pockets have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Pockets 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 Pockets inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Pockets is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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