Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar
Last inspected: Aug 26, 2025
67
Score
Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar has been inspected 14 times since 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Aug 26, 2025. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around eight violations each, up from closer to five violations before.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited eight times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar trails the local norm. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 26, 2025
Reinspection
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM LEFT CORNER OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 1 & 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS AND 1- DOOR REACH IN COOLER WITH TAPE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE OF FRYER CABINET,OVEN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 : OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 : MUST GROUT FLOOR IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL UNDERNEATH 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN GREASE BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER FRYER.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
67
Aug 19, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 50 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND, ON WALLS & CEILINGS IN BAR AREA, PREP & DISH WASHING AREA, BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA, LAUNDRY ROOM.ALSO EVIDENCE OF APPX. 2-4 LIVE LARGE FLIES IN BASEMENT. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 8/19/25.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) (CITATION ISSUED)
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INCORRECT CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR 3 3-COMPONENT SINK AND DISH MACHINE TO CHECK SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM'S MUST BE PROVIDED AND MAINTAINED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
48
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO 90-DAY SHELLFISH TAGS FOR OYSTERS DATED WITH THE LAST DAY SOLD OR SERVED ON SHELLFISH TAGS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
14
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM LEFT CORNER OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 1 & 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS AND 1- DOOR REACH IN COOLER WITH TAPE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE OF FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE,OVEN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST GROUT FLOOR IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL UNDERNEATH 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER FRYER.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
50
Jun 17, 2024
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRYERS WITH SOILAGE ON THE INTERIOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED COOLER IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD ANY UNSED EQUIPMENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS AROUND THE GRIDDLE AREA WITH DEBRIS AND SOIL BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FILTERS ABOVE GRIDDLE WITH DUST AND GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
56
82
Feb 9, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EITHER ALL-GENDER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF STANDING WATER THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
78
Dec 26, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 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. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS (STEAKS) THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW AND ADD A REMINDER ON THE MENU THAT READS *THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. CONSUMING UNDERCOOKED OR RAW FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND SINKS OF PREMISE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHIGN SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND SINKS.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE GASKET ON THE 1 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN RESTROOM.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOLES ON THE WALL NEAR THE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE HOLES ON WALL NEAR THE DISH MACHINE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
58
47
Apr 17, 2017
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RIPPED GASKETS AROUND THE DOOR OF THE REACH-IN COOLER UNDER THE CUTTING BOARD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKETS TO PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL TIMES.
32
95
Apr 7, 2017
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 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 RODENT ACTIVITY ON PREMISES AT TIME OF INSPECTION: FOUND APPROXIMATELY 12 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT BEHIND THE REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER COMBO AND ICE MACHINE. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE ACTIVITY. ALL AREAS WHERE DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED MUST BE REMOVED, CLEANED, AND SANITIZED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RIPPED GASKETS AROUND THE DOOR OF THE REACH-IN COOLER UNDER THE CUTTING BOARD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKETS TO PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL TIMES.
32
90
Sep 21, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: No Certified food manager on site during inspection. No City of Chicago certified food manager certificates on site. Instructed must have City of Chicago certified food manager certificates posted at all times, and must have a certified food manager on site while prepping or serving potentially hazardous foods. Serious violation 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Found raw wood shelving in basement dry storage area. Instructed must paint or seal to make smooth and easily cleanable. Must maintain. Found cutting board in kitchen area stained, also with deep groves. Instructed to resurface or replace cutting board.
32
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths improperly stored under cutting board in kitchen area. Instructed all wiping cloths must be in a sanitizing solution (in a clean container) when not in use.
43
86
Aug 24, 2015
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: 2 SMALL REACH IN FREEZERS IN NEED OF DEFROSTING TO REMOVE ALL ICE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT, FRONT BAR AND OUTSIDE GARAGE STORAGE AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL SPILLS AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HOOD VENTILATION UNIT ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
Linen: clean and soiled properly stored
Inspector notes: SOILED LINEN MUST BE STORED IN A PROPER CONTAINER. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
39
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO ONE ON SITE WITH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
45
78
Oct 7, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR OF FRYER CABINET.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER FRYER(EXCESS OIL).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL LOOSE WALL NEAR SOUTH PREP COOLER.
35
86
Oct 17, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Multi use utensils not properly stored. Instructed to invert utensils to prevent contamination before use.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor along wallbae and behind cooking equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Overhead door not maintained in garage. Instructed to repair and seal door along side.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Light bulbs not working under exhaust hood. Instructed to replace non-working bulbs. Light bulbs in prep area not shielded or shatter proof. Instructed to install shatter proof bulbs.
36
82
Oct 11, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
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 INTERIOR OF METAL PANEL INSIDE ICE MACHINE
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 IN CORNERS OF BASEMENT FLOOR
34
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST STORE EMPLOYEES BELONGINGS NICE AND NEATLY, IN ONE DESIGNATED AREA
37
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 BROKEN FAUCET AT MOP SINK IN KITCHEN AREA
38
82
Sep 28, 2011
Routine
No violations found.
100
Oct 15, 2010
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Source sound condition, no spoilage, foods properly labeled, shellfish tags in place
Inspector notes: Shellfish shall be obtained from an approved source and kept in their original package until sold.FOUND NO SHELLFISH TAG ON MUSSELS--PRODUCT DISCARDED,DENATURED-- TOTAL$30.00.
1
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 PROVIDE PROPER STORAGE,LABELING FOR EGGS IN BASEMENT REFRIGERATOR INVOICE FOR EGGS ON SITE.
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.ICE MACHINE IN NEED FOR FURTHER CLEANING.
33
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.REMOVE ALL CLUTTER FROM BASEMENT WINE STORAGE.
41
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar on file is from Aug 26, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar.
Has Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Rootstock Wine & Beer 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 Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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