Polish Highlanders Alliance
Last inspected: Feb 6, 2026
86
Score
Inspectors have visited Polish Highlanders Alliance 17 times, with records going back to 2010. The most recent report on file is from Feb 6, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near three violations per visit.
“Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” comes up most often, recorded six times in the inspection record.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Polish Highlanders Alliance on the better side of that line. The record reflects steady performance over time.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 6, 2026
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: 4-903.11 (A;B;D): OBSERVED FORKS, KNIVES AND SPOONS STORED IN CONTAINERS IN KITCHEN AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT OR COVER UTENSILS DURING STORAGE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19: OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON FLOOR IN DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN NORTHWEST SIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES IN NORTHWEST SIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS AND MAINTAIN.
53
86
Feb 4, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IMPROPERLY SANITIZING AT A CONCENTRATION OF 0PPM CHLORINE. CORRECTED ON SITE 'HELD FOR INSPECTION' TAG PLACED ON LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED ONCE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE HAS BEEN REPAIRED AND IS SANITIZING PROPERLY AT A MINIMUM CONCENTRATION OF 50PPM CHLORINE E-MAIL FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG TO REQUEST TAG REMOVAL PRIOR TO USING UNIT.( NOTE: LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT IN USE AT TIME OF INSPECTION.) PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 NO CITATION ISSUED
16
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO QUATERNARY AMMONIUM TEST KIT ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SANITIZING SOLUTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
48
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FORKS, KNIVES AND SPOONS STORED IN CONTAINERS IN KITCHEN AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT OR COVER UTENSILS DURING STORAGE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON FLOOR IN DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN NORTHWEST SIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES IN NORTHWEST SIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS AND MAINTAIN.
53
67
Jan 31, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Feb 1, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY IN A PROTECTED MANNER WHEN NOT IN USE
43
95
Apr 15, 2021
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: MISSING EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGED HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
3
90
Apr 12, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT/PROCEDURE ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMIT AND/OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MUST PROVIDE CORRESPONDING EQUIPMENT AS OUTLINED IN PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING ON PREPPED TCS FOODS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MUST LABEL ALL PREPPED TCS FOODS WITH DISCARD DATES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS. MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE ALL ALL HAND SINKS AND WASHBOWLS SINKS.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL AMOUNT OF BLACK, SLIMY, MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON LOWER PLASTIC INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. MUST DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN SAME.
16
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THERMOMETERS NOT IN EVERY COOLER. MUST PLACE A THERMOMETER IN A CONSPICUOUS SPOT INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS, INCLUDING BAR COOLERS.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS A LINER ON TOP OF COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED MUST REMOVE. ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION ON LOWER INTERIOR OF FRYER IN KITCHEN. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF DUST AND GREASE ACCUMULATION ON VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE COOKING LINE. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS.
58
52
Oct 20, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH SLIGHT BUILD UP. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MISSING CEILING TILE ABOVE UTILITY SINK. REPLACE SAME. DETAIL CLEAN WALLS SURROUNDING UTILITY SINK.
35
90
Aug 5, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 24, 2016
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Wash and rinse water: clean and proper temperature
Inspector notes: NO HOT WATER WAS PROVIDED AT THE FRONT BAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK (98F) AND THE REAR BAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK (101F). MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER ABOVE 110F FOR PROPER DISHWASHING. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
7
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
45
90
Jun 16, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN THE RIGHT COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE REAR HALL BAR. THE SINK DRAIN IS CLOGGED. MUST REPAIR SO THAT THE SINK DRAINS PROPERLY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
24
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE CEILING IN THE DISHROOM. REPAIR THE OPENINGS IN THE CEILING OF THE DISHROOM ABOVE THE DISHMACHINE AND EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE LEAK AT THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE REAR HALL BAR.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
45
82
Aug 21, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYER WITH GREASE ACCUMULATION. CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: LIGHTSHIELD NOT CLEAN IN PREP AREA. CLEAN SAME.
35
90
Aug 15, 2014
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BEER COOLER IN BAR WITH RUST AND STANDING WATER IN BASE OF COOLER. REMOVE RUST AND STANDING WATER AT BASE OF COOLER. RESTORE INTERIOR TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DISHWASHER BACKING UP FROM FLOOR DRAIN ONTO FLOOR. MAKE SURE THAT DRAIN IS CLEAN FOR DISHWASHER TO DRAIN PROPERLY.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS WITHIN REFRIGERATORS ALL REFRIGERATORS NEED EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS. STAFF SHOULD CHECK THERMOMETERS TO MAKE SURE THAT REFRIGERATORS ARE MAINTAINING 40F OR LESS.
40
86
Aug 7, 2014
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE PILE OF CARDBOARD BOXES IN REAR OF PREMISES NEXT TO GARBAGE AREA. 15 FEET BY 15 FEET AREA FILLED WITH CARDBOARD NEEDING TO BE RECYCLED. ALL CARDBOARD MUST BE REMOVED FROM PREMISES AND GARBAGE AREA MUST BE KEPT CLEAN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
19
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED COOKED AND SERVED. INCLUUDING PORK, BEEF AND COOKED VEGETABLES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BEER COOLER IN BAR WITH RUST AND STANDING WATER IN BASE OF COOLER. REMOVE RUST AND STANDING WATER AT BASE OF COOLER. RESTORE INTERIOR TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL SODA NOZZLES AT BOTH BARS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK UNCLEAN. MAINTAIN FLOOR IN A CLEAN AND SANIARY CONDITION.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DISHWASHER BACKING UP FROM FLOOR DRAIN ONTO FLOOR. MAKE SURE THAT DRAIN IS CLEAN FOR DISHWASHER TO DRAIN PROPERLY.
38
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKING AT FAUCET. REPAIR FAUCET AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS WITHIN REFRIGERATORS ALL REFRIGERATORS NEED EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS. STAFF SHOULD CHECK THERMOMETERS TO MAKE SURE THAT REFRIGERATORS ARE MAINTAINING 40F OR LESS.
40
67
Aug 2, 2013
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH CALCIU BUILD-UP. CLEAN SAME.
32
95
Feb 21, 2012
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREP AND SERVED. SERIOUS CITATION GIVEN 7-38-012
21
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. FOUND RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN THE FOOD/DRY GOODS STOREROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT THEM SO THEY WILL BE SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN.
32
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. CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE DRY GOODS STOREROOM ALONG THE WALLS AND IN THE CORNERS HAS DUST BUILDUP.
34
86
May 18, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: IMPROPER STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PROVIDE SAME. PROVIDE SPLASHGUARD INTBETWEEN EXPOSED HANDSINK AND PREP TABLE OR REMOVE PREP TABLE SUFFICIENT DISTANCE. INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CAN OPENER NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
33
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTD TO DO SO.
42
86
Dec 3, 2010
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 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 LABLE & DATE COOKED FOODS STORED IN ALL COOLERS,BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use.MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS.
31
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 REMOVE FOIL FROM SURFACES.
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.MUST CLEAN MEAT SLICER,GRINDER,VENTILATION VENTS.
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.MUST CLEAN FLOOR BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT,BAR AREA,WALK IN FREEZER.
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.MUST REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILE IN BAR AREA,MISSING WALL TILE IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.MUST ADJUST DOOR SWEEP ON REAR DOOR.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT PREP 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,LEAKY BACK FLOW DEVICE ON MOP SINK.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.WALK IN FREEZER.
40
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.MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR IN LIQUOR STORAGE,TABLE & CHAIR STORAGE.
41
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Polish Highlanders Alliance last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Polish Highlanders Alliance on file is from Feb 6, 2026. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Polish Highlanders Alliance?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Polish Highlanders Alliance.
Has Polish Highlanders Alliance's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Polish Highlanders Alliance have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Polish Highlanders Alliance 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 Highlanders Alliance inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Polish Highlanders Alliance is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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