Protein Bar
Last inspected: Jan 7, 2026
70
Score
Protein Bar appears in inspection records 16 times, starting in 2014. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 7, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near three violations per visit across recent inspections.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “insects, rodents, & animals not present”, showing up seven times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 7, 2026
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NOTED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE FOR EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE UPDATED PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: FOOD SCOOPS BEING STORED INSIDE THE FOOD MUST BE STORED WITH HANDLES INVERT FROM THE FOODS. MANAGER CORRECTED DURING THE INSPECTION.
43
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOODS NOT STORED IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED THE TABLE TOP CAN OPENER WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS AND EXCESSIVE RUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED SOME EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE METAL RACK SHELVING INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE RUST, RESEAL OR REPLACE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS MUST NOT BE STORED IN FOOD PREP/FOOD CONTACT AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES BELONGINGS AWAY FROM PREPARED FOODS.
56
70
Jan 30, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS (BOWLS AND CONTAINERS) STORED STACKED ON TOP SHELF WITH FOOD CONTACT SURFACES EXPOSED AND NOT PROTECTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT OR PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
45
95
Feb 15, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
40
95
Jan 20, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: NOTED THE LID OF THE ICE BIN BEING STORED ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE BIN LID IN A CLEAN STORAGE AREA WHEN NOT IN USE.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED THE PLASTIC HANDLE ON THE RICE COOKER IN POOR REPAIR/MELTED/DAMAGED. MUST REPLACE TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A WASTE RECEPTACLE AT THE FOOD PREP HAND WASHING SINK.
54
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT STORE EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN FOOD PREP OR FOOD CONTACT AREAS/STORAGE.
56
82
May 20, 2021
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jul 7, 2020
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REAR EXIT DOOR WITH 1/2" GAP AT BOTTOM, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE TO MINIMIZE PEST ENTRY.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO LOCATE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT ICE MACHINE WATER LINE,AT PREP/KITCHEN AREA. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAKING FAUCET(WEST AREA) AT FOUR COMPARTMENT SINK,ALSO AT PREP SINK .REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NO PROTECTIVE SHIELD AT PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
56
82
Jun 29, 2020
Routine
4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 - MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING THE PREPARATION AND CONSUME BY/DISCARD DATE (MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS TOTAL) OF ALL REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005.
23
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS INSPECTION SUMMARY, REPORT #2288902, NOT POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMER, FROM 5-16-2019 AT TIME OF INSPECTION MANAGER STATED THAT FRAMED INSPECTION SUMMARY HAD FALLEN DOWN AND HAD NOT BEEN POSTED. MANAGER PICKED -UP REPORT AND SUMMARY REPORT FROM REAR OFFICE AREA. INSPECTION SUMMARY MUST BE POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMER. NEW SUMMARY REPORT GIVEN AND POSTED PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION# 7-42-010(B)
61
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND PROCEDURE/PLAN ON SITE HOWEVER KIT NOT COMPLETE MISSING SOLUTION TO CONTROL NOROVIRUS FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT HANDWASHING SINK AT DISHROOM AREA. PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER BROKEN,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE AND PROVIDE PAPER TOWEL AT SAID SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-030(C)
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: NO LABEL ON CONTAINERS OF DRY FOOD, MUST PROVIDE LABEL WITH COMMON NAME
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REAR EXIT DOOR WITH 1/2" GAP AT BOTTOM, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE TO MINIMIZE PEST ENTRY.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: VENT COVER IN PREP AREA WITH DUST BUILD-UP,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO LOCATE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT ICE MACHINE WATER LINE,AT PREP/KITCHEN AREA. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAKING FAUCET(WEST AREA) AT FOUR COMPARTMENT SINK,ALSO AT PREP SINK .REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIDDED TRASH CAN RECEPTACLE FOR DISPOSAL OF SANITARY ITEMS IN EMPLOYEES/CUSTOMER SHARED RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LIDDED TRASH CAN RECEPTACLE AT MENTIONED WASHROOM.MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BROKEN WITH BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE CAULKING ON WALL BEHIND THE FOUR COMPARTMENT SINK.REPAIR ,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WITH A EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NO PROTECTIVE SHIELD AT PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
58
43
May 16, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO NECESSARY ITEMS/KIT ON SITE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE VOMIT AND DIARHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND NECESSARY ITEMS/KIT (DISPOSAL MOP HEAD, SINGLE USE GLOVES, FACE MASK AND APPROVED CHEMICAL SANITIZER)/ ON SITE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS INSPECTION SUMMARY, REPORT #2159478, NOT POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMER, FROM 04/04/18. AT TIME OF INSPECTION MANAGER STATED THAT FRAMED INSPECTION SUMMARY HAD FALLEN DOWN AND HAD NOT BEEN POSTED. SAID FRAMED INSPECTION SUMMARY WAS RESTING ON TOP SURFACE OF COFFEE MACHINE, AT FRONT COUNTER AREA AND NOT POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMER INFORMED MANGER THAT INSPECTION SUMMARY MUST BE POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION# 7-42-010(B) CITATION ISSUED
61
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTACT VACUUMED SEALED PACKAGES OF FISH THAWING IMPROPERLY IN COOLER, ON SITE. INFORMED MANAGER THAT VACUUMED SEALED PACKAGES OF FISH MUST BE REMOVED FROM VACUUM PACKAGE AND THAWED UNDER REFRIGERATION OUT OF PACKAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE FISH FROM VACUUMED SEALED PACKAGES AND THAW OUTSIDE OF PACKAGING UNDER REFRIGERATION. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIDDED TRASH CAN RECEPTACLE FOR DISPOSAL OF SANITARY ITEMS IN EMPLOYEES/CUSTOMER SHARED RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LIDDED TRASH CAN RECEPTACLE FOR DISPOSAL OF SANITARY ITEMS IN ADDITION TO ROOM TRASH CAN. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
53
74
Apr 4, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT ON WALL UNDERNEATH 4-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR DRAINS IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRY AT ALL TIMES TO PREVENT PEST INSECT BREADING.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED AT THE 4-DOOR PREP COOLER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
86
Aug 8, 2017
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON 3-DOOR TRUE PREP COOLER IN PREP AREA. REMOVE RUST FROM STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE DRIED FOOD FROM PANNINI PRESS IN PREP AREA. CLEAN DRIED FOOD FROM MOUNTER CAN OPENER IN PREP AREA. CLEAN CONTACT SURFACE AROUND A ND UNDER SELF SERVE SODA MACHINE IN DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOORS AROUND HOT WATER TANK IN REAR, AND THROUGHOUT THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. ALSO, CLEAN STANDING WATER FROM FLOOR IN WOMENS TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST FROM CEILING VENTS IN PREP AREA, AND IN THE MENS AND WOMENS TOILET ROOMS. ALSO, CLEAN SPIDER WEBS AND DEAD BUGS FROM WALL MENUS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN UNKNOWN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKY TOILET IN WOMENS TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
38
74
Oct 31, 2016
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON SMALL 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER AND FREEZER.WORN SEATING IN DINING AREA
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM DRY FOOD STORAGE AND CLEAN DISH SHELVES,SODA DRIP TRAY,COUNTER TOP UNDER SODA MACHINE
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI BUILD UP FROM FLOOR DRAINS ESPECIALLY UNDER SODA MACHINE.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR NEAR PICK UP ON SALES FLOOR.MUST REMOVE WATER FROM FLOOR UNDER 4- COMP SINK AND KEEP DRY
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP AT HOOD AND LIGHT SHIELDS AT COOKING EQUIPMENT,DINING AREA NEAR CAMERA,VENTILATION VENTS IN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILETROOMS
35
82
Oct 24, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 25 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND AND ON WALLS IN PREP AREA / OFFICE AREA.ALSO FRONT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED APPX."1/2" IN CENTER AND ALONG BOTTOM LEFT DOOR.RODENT PROOF DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 10/24/16.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
18
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS TO VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION. A NEW SUMMARY REPORT WILL BE GIVEN TO POST AT THIS TIME.(SERIOUS 7-42-010B)
28
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON SMALL 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER AND FREEZER.WORN SEATING IN DINING AREA
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM DRY FOOD STORAGE AND CLEAN DISH SHELVES,SODA DRIP TRAY,COUNTER TOP UNDER SODA MACHINE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI BUILD UP FROM FLOOR DRAINS ESPECIALLY UNDER SODA MACHINE.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR NEAR PICK UP ON SALES FLOOR.MUST REMOVE WATER FROM FLOOR UNDER 4- COMP SINK AND KEEP DRY
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP AT HOOD AND LIGHT SHIELDS AT COOKING EQUIPMENT,DINING AREA NEAR CAMERA,VENTILATION VENTS IN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILETROOM
35
74
Apr 20, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM WALK IN COOLER FAN GUARD COVERS AND SHELVING UNITS,CAN OPENER BLADE,ICE DISPENSER ON SODA MACHINE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP ,DISH AREA AND WALK IN COOLER ,FLOOR DRAINS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM CEILING VENTILATION VENTS IN PREP AREA.MUST ADJUST THRESHOLD AT FRONT AND REAR DOOR.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOUL SMELL COMING FROM FLOOR GREASE TRAP MUST CLEAN FLOOR GREASE TRAP AND MAINTAIN
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: MUST STORE EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS PROPERLY.
42
78
Jan 13, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CABINET UNDER SODA MACHINE UNCLEAN WITH SPILLED SODA SYRUP. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 7 RECESSED LIGHTS ABOVE FOOD SERVICE LINE. MANAGER MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION THAT BULBS ARE SHATTERPROOF OR BULBS MUST BE SHEILDED TO PROTECT FOOD.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON WATER LINE OF SODA MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION AND BE ABLE TO SHOW INSPECTOR ON NEXT INSPECTION BACK FLOW DEVICE OR POTECTION BUILT INTO SODA MACHINE.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NON HANDLED SCOOPS STORED WITH IN PRODUCT. ALL ITEMS WITHIN PRODUCT MUST HAVE A HANDLE AND HANDLE OF SCOOP TO BE STORED OUTSIDE OF PRODUCT.
43
82
Jan 22, 2014
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE LIGHT BULBS IN THE FRONT SERVING AREA WITH SHATTERED PROOFED LIGHT BULBS.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A BACK FLOW PREVENTIVE DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE CONNECTED TO THE WATER LINE.
38
90
Jan 14, 2014
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Protein Bar last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Protein Bar on file is from Jan 7, 2026. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Protein Bar?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Protein Bar.
Has Protein Bar's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Protein Bar have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Protein Bar 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 Protein Bar inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Protein Bar is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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