Red Lion Pub
Last inspected: Sep 16, 2025
86
Score
The health department has logged 13 inspections at Red Lion Pub, the earliest from 2014. The newest entry in the record is dated Sep 16, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around two violations lately and about five violations before that.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “allergen training as required”, showing up four times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 16, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 10/29/2024, REPORT #2605599. #58--NOTED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING AND MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHT BULB AT VENTILATION HOOD. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND REPLACE LIGHT BULB.
56
86
Oct 29, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED."
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT BAR HANDWASH SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
10
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED ENCRUSTED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS UNDERNEATH FRYER COMPARTMENT AND ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING AND MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
78
Mar 30, 2023
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Sep 29, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: PEELING PAINT ON FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
58
86
Jul 12, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IRREVERSIBLE HIGH-TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER OR HIGH-TEMPERATURE TEST STRIPS NEEDED ON SITE FOR HOT WATER DISH MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
48
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PERSONAL ITEMS NEED TO BE STORED IN A DESIGNATED AREAS AWAY FROM FOOD.
28
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COUNTERTOP IN FRONT HOST AREA TO THE RIGHT OF HAND SINK IN DISREPAIR. RESTORE TO A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE CONDITION.
47
82
Dec 11, 2020
Routine
4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 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. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MUST INDICATE ON MENU "COOK TO ORDER" PHRASE FOR EGGS,STEAKS, ETC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 Repeat OUT PF 11/28/2019 FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN AND KIT FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL CLEANING IS NEEDED INSIDE THE DEEP FRYER.
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
58
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD BOXES NOR ALUMINUM FOIL ON SHELVES. MUST REPLACE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
47
52
Dec 20, 2019
Routine
No violations found.
100
Dec 5, 2018
Routine
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE HEALTH EMPLOYEE POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HEALTH EMPLOYEE POLICY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USED.
41
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT THE ICE MACHINE AND SERVICE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT CON BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVER DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN REAR AREA NEAR TO EXIT DOOR. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET NO LOGS, RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE WITH THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING REQUIREMENTS.
58
55
Feb 23, 2017
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOOD AND FILTERS IN THE KITCHEN WITH GREASE AND DUST ACCUMULATION. ALSO, CEILING VENT THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES HAVE EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA WITH UNKNOWN DEBRIS INSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLOW DRAIN AT EXPOSED HAND SINK IN WOMENS TOILET ROOM. ALSO, MIDDLE COMPARTMENT AT THE 3-COMP SINK IS LEAKING AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER BEHIND THE BAR AND AROUND THE CO2 TANKS IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
41
82
Aug 3, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GLASSWARE STORED DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE LEFT BAR HANDSINK WITHOUT PROPER GUARD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SINK.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ORANGISH LIQUID SPILLED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED THAT THE DRAIN IS SLOW ON THE HAND SINK NEXT TO THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO UNCLOG.
38
86
Sep 22, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CAULK ALONG THE WALLS BY THE DISH MACHINE WITH BLACK MOLDY LIKE SUBSTANCE. MUST RE CAULK AND MAINTAIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: VENT COVER IN BOTH WASHROOMS WITH DUST BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN.
35
90
Jun 11, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 4, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: N0 PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AVAILABLE . INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK UNDER CERTIFIED PEST CONTROL COMPANY WITH ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH LICENSE NUMBER OF THE COMPANY.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE DRAIN BOARD OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND THE BAR.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR THRU-OUT THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Red Lion Pub last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Red Lion Pub on file is from Sep 16, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Red Lion Pub?
Across the inspection record, “allergen training as required” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Red Lion Pub.
Has Red Lion Pub's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Red Lion Pub have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Red Lion Pub 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 Red Lion Pub inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Red Lion Pub is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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