Protein Bar
Last inspected: Jul 9, 2025
95
Score
Across the available record, Protein Bar has 20 inspections on file, the first dated 2011. The latest inspection on file is from Jul 9, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around two violations each.
When inspectors have written things up, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Protein Bar on the better side of that line. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 9, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11--OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR AROUND THE FLOOR DRAINS IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT FLOOR SURFACES ARE SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
95
Jul 3, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 54.7F.THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE (TCS FOODS) SUCH AS RANCH AND CAESAR DRESSINGS ETC.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID COOLER AT 41F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.THE SAID COOLER IS TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION" AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION.INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.(SEE COMMENTS).
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF (TCS FOODS) HELD INSIDE OF THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.OBSERVED CAESAR DRESSINGS AT 55.4F,CHIPOTLE GREEK YOGURT DRESSINGS AT 53.4F,RANCH DRESSINGS AT 55.8F.MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 5#'S OF FOOD WORTH $40.00.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO MONITOR AND MAINTAIN ALL COLD (TCS FOODS) AT 41F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
22
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR AROUND THE FLOOR DRAINS IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT FLOOR SURFACES ARE SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING AND MAINTAIN.
58
67
Jul 29, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: Dry food storage room located in lower level public garage with no lock on door, instructed to lock door to prevent food tampering.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: Food handler not wearing hair restraints, instructed to wear.
40
90
Aug 7, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NON-SERVICE DOG ON SITE NEAR PROTEIN BAR STANDING WITH CUSTOMER. NO PROTOCALS SET IN PLACE WHEN ASKING ABOUT RESTRICTIONS FOR NON-SERVICE ANIMALS ENTERING ON SITE. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGER THAT FACILITY MUST ENSURE ALL NON-SERVICE ANIMALS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DOGS, IS NOT ALLOWED ON SITE. SENT INFORMATIONAL LINKS TO MANAGER VIA-EMAIL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-40-060 CITATION ISSUED.
38
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: FROZEN RAW FISH HAS BEEN THAWED WHILE STILL COMMERCIALLY WRAPPED IN REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING (ROP). PACKAGING MUST BE REMOVED FROM FISH IN ROP PRIOR TO THAWING UNDER REFRIGERATION OR RUNNING WATER.
35
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: UNNECESSARY ITEMS / NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT (REACH-IN COOLER AND WIRE RACK SHELF) FOUND IN BASEMENT STORAGE CLOSET. THE PREMISES SHALL BE FREE OF ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. THIS INCLUDES EQUIPMENT THAT IS NONFUNCTIONAL OR NO LONGER USED.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATIONS NOT PROVIDED ON SITE. FACILITY MUST ENSURE THAT ALL CITY CERTIFIED MANAGERS OBTAIN A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION AND PROVIDE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
78
Sep 15, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 16, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAK UNDERNEATH THE ICE BIN IN THE FRONT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BROKEN CONCRETE AROUND FLOOR DRAINS IN PREP AND DISHWASHING AREAS. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
90
Jan 16, 2020
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED OVENS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT BEING STORED IN BASEMENT STORAGE UNIT ADJACENT TO PARKING GARAGE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION AND MAINTAIN THE FACILITY FREE FROM CLUTTER.
55
95
Jan 4, 2019
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
58
95
Jan 31, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPACKAGED, "TO-GO" ITEMS (HARD BOILED EGGS, ICED TEA) IN OPEN-FACED DISPLAY COOLER WITHOUT ANY LABELS. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL PREPACKAGED, "TO-GO" ITEMS MUST BE LABELED WITH: NAME OF ITEM, LIST OF INGREDIENTS BY PREDOMINANCE, ADDRESS OF MANUFACTURER/PACKAGER, ALLERGENS AND NET WEIGHT.
30
95
Mar 31, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL LEAK AT BASE OF GREASE TRAP UNDER 1 COMPARTMENT PREP SINK. MUST REPAIR GREASE TRAP SO THERE IS NO LEAKING CONDITION AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN FRONT SERVICE REFRIGERATOR FOR CUSTOMERS. INSTALL THERMOMETER AND MAINTAIN.
40
90
Jun 14, 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: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON PREP AREA CEILING TILES/CEILING VENTILATION COVER. MUST CLEAN CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS (MANAGERS) NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
90
Nov 13, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 4, 2015
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Water source: safe, hot & cold under city pressure
Inspector notes: FOUND HOT RUNNING WATER AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION BUT RUN OUT OF HOT WATER AFTER 10 MINUTES. WATER TEMPERATURE AT 60F ON THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, 59F AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK, 61 F AT THE WASHBOWL SINK IN BOTH WASHROOM AND 58F AT THE MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL ESTABLISHMENT MUST HAVE A HOT RUNNING WATER ALL THE TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030. . HOT RUNNING WATER WAS STORED AT 11:10AM AFTER THE PLUMBER FIXED THE PROBLEM. WATER TEMPERATURE AT 120F AT THIS TIME.
9
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1559255 DATED 06/18/15. #32- CAULK AROUND THE MOP SINK, WORN OUT. MUST RE CAULK AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEES HELPING AND HANDLING FOODS IN THE PREP AREA MUST WEAR A HAIR REESTRAINT TO CONFINE THE HAIR.
42
86
Jun 18, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CAULK AROUND THE MOP SINK, WORN OUT. MUST RE CAULK AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FAN GUARD OF THE 3 DOOR REACH IN COOLER AND THE ONE DOOR REACH IN COOLER WITH DUST ACCUMULATED. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN. VENT COVER ABOVE THE MOP SINK FAUCET WITH DUST ACCUMULATED. MUT CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE MOP SINK AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR INSIDE THE DRY FOOD AND CHEMICAL STORAGE ROOM NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND ALL CORNER. MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS/ARTICLES OFF THE FLOOR IN THE SAME AREA TO PREVENT RODENT/INSECTS HARBORAGE.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAKING ON THE BACK FLOW PREVENTIVE DEVICE OF THE MOP SINK FAUCET. MUST REPAIR TO STOP THE LEAK.
38
82
Nov 13, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED (TOFU,SHAKES,SOUP ETC). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED LOOSE KNOBS ON LID ON SERVICE COOLER BY THE 3 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INSIDE REACH IN FREEZER AND PANINI BREAD TOASTER BY THE 3 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT.
33
86
Feb 21, 2014
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS WITH USE BY DATE ONLY. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH NAME OF PRODUCT AND USE BY OR PREPARED DATE.
30
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED WASH CLOTHS ON PREP TABLE NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WASH CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN IN USE.
43
90
Feb 13, 2014
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: NOTED TEMPERATURE OF SERVICE COOLER AT THE FOOD PREP AREA TO BE READING 50F. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN NORMAL TEMPERATURE AT 40F OR BELOW. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY CALLED COMPANY FOR MAINTENANCE. PREMISES HAS OTHER COOLERS MAINTAINING TEMPERATURES OF 40F AND BELOW. CITATION ISSUED FOR VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE SERVICE COOLER AT THE FOOD PREP AREA TO BE IMPROPER BETWEEN 47F TO 60F. TOFU 60F,CHEESE 50.1F,SLICED TOMATOES 47.4F, BLUE CHEESE 49.8F.MANAGER PRESENTED A TEMPERATURE LOG BUT WAS LAST LOGGED AT ABOUT 10 AM. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 25 LBS OF FOOD ITEMS WORTH $120 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
3
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT THE BATHROOMS (MEN AND WOMEN). TEMPERATURES OF WATER WAS 68.2F FOR MEN AND 69.9F FOR MEN. BOTH BATHROOMS ARE USED BY EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY CALLED MAINTENANCE FOR REPAIRS. PREMISES HAS A HAND WASHING SINK AT THE PREP AREA WITH HOT RUNNING WATER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.BY END OF INSPECTION TODAY STILL NO HOT RUNNING WATER IN BATHROOMS. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-030
11
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: NOTED OVER 15 FLYING INSECTS ON WALL AND CEILING AT REAR BY THE DRY STORAGE RACK AND AT THE JUICE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREA. RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-020
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS WITH USE BY DATE ONLY. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH NAME OF PRODUCT AND USE BY OR PREPARED DATE.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS AT THE PREP AREA WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT.
34
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED WASH CLOTHS ON PREP TABLE NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WASH CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN IN USE.
43
70
Jun 7, 2013
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: REFRIGERATION THERMOMETER NOT STORED IN WARMEST PART, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN WARMEST PART IN A CLEAR VIEW
40
95
Jul 12, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED YOGURT STORED IN THE DISPLAY COOLER AT 46F AND SOFT-BOILED EGGS STORED AT 45F, CUT FRUIT AT 45F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 5# OF FOOD WORTH $116. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: One copy of the Food Inspection Report Summary must be displayed and visible to all customers. INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS NOT POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010B.
28
90
May 25, 2011
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 Jul 9, 2025. The public record contains 20 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Protein Bar?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited five 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 two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Protein Bar 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 Protein Bar inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Protein Bar is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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