Polish Food
Last inspected: Jan 27, 2026
100
Score
Polish Food has been inspected 22 times since 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 27, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near one violation per visit across recent inspections.
Looking across the full record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” is the recurring theme, flagged seven times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Polish Food is comfortably above that bar. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
22
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 27, 2026
Routine
No violations found.
100
Feb 3, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jul 8, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE BAGS STORED IN MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PERSONAL ITEMS IN DESIGNATED AREA.
56
95
Apr 27, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED (TCS FOODS) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP LINE COOLER.HOT DOGS 56.6 F DEGREES, SLICED TOMATOES 58.3 F DEGREES,CUT LETTUCE 68.7 F DEGREES, COLE SLAW 56.5 F DEGREES, CHEESE AND MUSHROOM FLATBREADS 52.9 F DEGREES AND HAM AND CHEESE FLATBREADS 62.6 F DEGREES.ALL (TCS FOODS) MUST BE HELD AT PROPER HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41.0 F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROXIMATELY 7#'S OF FOOD WORTH $150.00.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
22
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
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82
Sep 13, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jul 16, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FAN COVER WITH DUSTS IN WALK-IN-COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
49
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRY BULK FOOD CONTAINER STORED UNDERNEATH THE REAR PREP TABLE WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM.(SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
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90
Aug 24, 2020
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS WHEN WORKING AROUND OPEN FOODS.MUST PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND SINK SLOW DRAINING AT REAR FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING ISSUE AND TO MAINTAIN.
51
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE SERVING CUSTOMERS WITHOUT A FACE COVERING INSIDE OF THE RESTAURANT.MUST PROVIDE FACE COVERINGS.CITATION ISSUED 7-28-060.(COS=CORRECTED ON SITE DURING INSPECTION).SEE COMMENTS.
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82
Jan 28, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA AND INSIDE WASHROOM.
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER/LID.
53
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: (1) FOOD HANDLER WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
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86
Jan 17, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY/KIT ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CRATE A CLAN UP POLICY/KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO BECOME ALLERGEN CERTIFIED. CORE VIOLATION
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78
Jan 4, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER.
32
95
May 23, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO LID/COVER FOR TOP AREA REACH-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OFFENSIVE SEWER SMELL INSIDE BATHROOM, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: ONE EMPLOYEE WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE, MUST PROVIDE UPON NEXT VISIT,
45
86
Nov 19, 2015
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: COOKING EQUIPMENT (BAKERY CONVECTION OVEN) IN REAR PREP AREA MUST BE COMPLETELY UNDER THE HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER VENTILATION OR TRANSFER UNDER HOOD.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED ON TOP OF WALK-IN COOLER/FREEZER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
90
Mar 31, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE COOLERS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED ON TOP OF WALK-IN COOLER/WALK-IN FREEZER AND IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
45
86
Jul 3, 2014
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Caulk around exposed hand sink in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced, prep table lower shelving had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Prep table loer shelving not clean, needs detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
90
Jan 17, 2014
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL PREPARED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN THE WALK-IN-COOLER MUST BE LABELED/DATED.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT,COOKING EQUIPMENT,AND UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK 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: MUST REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES AT REAR NEAR THE WALK-IN-COOLER.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENTS. LIGHT BULBS AT REAR DISHWASHING AREA MUST BE SHIELDED OR PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF LIGHT BULBS.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTERED CONDITIONS FROM INSIDE THE MOP SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES FOR WASTE WATER DISPOSAL.
41
78
Jan 14, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HANDSINK NOT CONVENIENT,ACCESSIBLE OR MAINTAINED. EXPOSED HANDSINK IS CLOGGED NOT WORKING--WASTE WATER NOT DRAINING OUT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR EXPOSED HANDWASHING FACILITY AS REQUIRED PER CITY CODE.AREA SUPERVISOR NOTIFIED OF SUCH AT THIS TIME. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
11
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL PREPARED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN THE WALK-IN-COOLER MUST BE LABELED/DATED.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT,COOKING EQUIPMENT,AND UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK 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: MUST REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES AT REAR NEAR THE WALK-IN-COOLER.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENTS. LIGHT BULBS AT REAR DISHWASHING AREA MUST BE SHIELDED OR PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF LIGHT BULBS.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTERED CONDITIONS FROM INSIDE THE MOP SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES FOR WASTE WATER DISPOSAL.
41
74
Jul 19, 2013
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found food items not properly dated/labeled in walk in cooler, walk in freezer, must date and label food items in walk in cooler, walk in freezer.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Non food contact surfaces of front counter 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 under front counter shelving/ rack 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: Damaged/stained ceiling tiles in front prep area, shall be replaced/repaired.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Missing light shield in rear kitchen prep area, shall be provided.
36
78
Jan 18, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Non food contact surfaces of walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices), non food contact surfaces of splash guard needs cleaning.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under 3 compartment sink and rear storage areas need cleaning(corners).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Wall/door frame of bathroom had exposed plaster/peeling paint shall be repaired/sealed.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Light shields in kitchen prep area not clean, need cleaning.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exhaust vents(ventilation) in walk in cooler, kitchen prep area not clean, need detailed cleaning.
38
78
Feb 17, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE FOOD INSIDE WALK IN COOLER
30
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. RUSTY SHELVES INSIDE WALK IN COOLER MUST BE REPLACED
33
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. DAMAGED BASE WALLS GOING TO EXIT DOOR MUST BE REPLACED
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. NON WORKING LIGHT BULB INSIDE WALK IN FREEZER MUST BE REPLACED
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MANAGER ORDERED ON LINE FOR BACKFLOW PREVENTOR DEVICE,DOCUMENTS CONFIRMED,INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BEFORE NEXT INSPECTION
38
78
Nov 16, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Water hose attached to utiltiy sink faucet. Instructed to remove hose or install backflow preventer.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: Food handlers in prep area not wearing hair restraints. Instructed to provide hair restraints for all food handlers.
42
90
Feb 7, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Foods inside coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor along wallbase not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean. Treshold at bottom of front door worn. Instructed to replace worn treshold.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Light covers through-out not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean. Ceiling tile damaged in rear. Instructed to replace damaged ceiling tile.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exposed hand sink and three compartment leaking at drainline. Instructed to repair to prevent leak.
38
82
Jun 21, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. FOODS IN WALK IN COOLER MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED AND DATED
30
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. ADDITIONAL SWEEP MUST BE INSTALLED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ENTRANCE DOOR
32
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. 5 INCH HOLE ON THE WALL BELOW CASHIER AREA MUST BE SEALED; CEILING FAN IN THE DINING AREA WITH ACCUMULATED DUST, MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
35
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Polish Food last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Polish Food on file is from Jan 27, 2026. The public record contains 22 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Polish Food?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Polish Food.
Has Polish Food's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Polish Food have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Polish Food 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 Polish Food inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Polish Food is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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