Saigon Sisters
Last inspected: Mar 27, 2025
90
Score
Inspectors have visited Saigon Sisters 23 times, with records going back to 2010. The most recent visit was on Mar 27, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around three violations each.
The pattern that stands out is “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable”, which has been cited 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.
23
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 27, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Utensils in-use kept in standing water at room temperature, instructed to keep under continuous running cold water or in a clean dry container.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Damaged prep cooler doors gaskets at main prep kitchen, Instructed to replace.
47
90
Mar 29, 2024
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
No discharge from eyes, nose, and mouth
7
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Utensils in-use kept in standing water at room temperature, instructed to keep under continuous running cold water or in a clean dry container.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Damaged floors in front of one comp prep sink, instructed to repair and maintain.
55
86
Nov 2, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
95
Oct 25, 2023
Routine
5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE TEST STRIPS/TESTING DEVICE ON SITE TO ADEQUATE214:E217SURE THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE (160F) AFTER THE FINAL RINSE FOR HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE OF (180F). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
48
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR THE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOOD COOKED, DELIVERED AND SERVED. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PROPER THERMOMETERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
36
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2565609 CONDUCTED ON 10/19/2022: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION ON SITE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: �OBSERVED A WHITE PANEL INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE THAT TOUCHED ICE FILLED WITH A BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.
16
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS (MUSSELS) ON MENU. INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY SUCH FOODS BY ASTERISKING THEM TO A FOOT NOTE THAT STATES: "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS" AND ADD A STATEMENT THAT READS: "CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED ANIMAL PRODUCTS MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE MEDICAL CONDITIONS." (REFER TO CDPH CONSUMER ADVISORY GUIDE ON CDPH WEBSITE) PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
25
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER AND REAR STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
41
52
Oct 19, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
95
Jun 3, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT REAR PREP HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING WATER COMING FROM SPROUT OF REAR HANDSINK FAUCET WHEN IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
51
90
Jul 29, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALL CUTTING BOARDS THROUGHOUT FACILITY WITH DARK GROOVES AND DEEP CUTS. MUST PROVIDE NEW CUTTING BOARDS THAT CAN BE PROPERLY CLEANED AND SANITIZED.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF MILK CRATES USED FOR ELEVATION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING THAT ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER AS WELL AS REAR PREP ON FLOORS NEAR WATER HEATER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
May 16, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 8, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE DATE MARKINGS TO TCS/RTE FOODS, PREPARED ONSITE AND HELD IN COOLERS OVER 24 HRS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUME BY DATES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FLIES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL PROVIDER FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT DISHES BEING STORED UNDER COUNTER IN THE REAR PREP AREA, TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. ALSO, DISCONTINUE USING MILK CRATES AS STORAGE RACKS TO STORE FOOD. MUST PROVIDE THE PROPER RACKS FOR FOR FOOD AND EQUIPMENT STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM STOVE, GRILL, FRYER, AND LOWER SHELVES ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHT IN KITCHEN HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
56
70
Feb 15, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: Observed improper hygienic practice. Noted food handler conducting cash or credit transaction at touch screen register at front counter. Food handler then put single use gloves and began to wrap banh mi/deli sandwich in butcher wrap paper. Food handler then began to touch personal cell phone with single use gloves, while preparing said food. Food handler failed to wash hand between tasks. Informed the manager that hand wash is required between tasks. Manager corrected the violation during inspection. Critical violation #7-38-010 (A)
6
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: Food not protected. At time of inspection observed 5 open top water pitchers and 15 to 20 pre filled glasses of water stored on wooden shelving unit, located on dining room floor, between customer seating area and front bar seating area, not covered or protected. Must store open containers away from customers or provide appropriate covers/lids. Manager relocated pitchers/pre filled water glasses, to rear service station which did not have customer access. Manager corrected the violation during inspection. Serious violation #7-38-005 (A)
16
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Observed black mold like substance embedded in caulk line of three compartment sink. Instructed manager to remove and resurface area. Maintain at all times. Observed slight yellow buildup on interior surfaces of ice curtain inside rear ice machine. Instructed manager to detail clean and maintain at all.
33
86
Jul 11, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: Observed no city of Chicago certified food manager on site while potentially hazardous foods (chicken, beef, etc.) are being prepped. Must have a city of Chicago certified food manager on site at all times. Serious violation 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed 2 door cooler doors in disrepair. When doors closed, there is a gap between doors. Must repair doors to properly close in order to keep internal air temperature at 40F of less. Must maintain.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Observe excessive grease/dirt build up (orange dried liquid substance) on floor under hand sink, next to cooking line, in kitchen area. Must detail clean and sanitize floors. Must maintain same.
34
86
Dec 19, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE JACKET STORED ON DRY STORAGE SHELF. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL EMPLOYEE BELONGINGS AWAY AND SEPARATE FROM FOOD SERVICE MATERIALS. OBSERVED BROOMS STORED WITH THE BRISTLE SIDE STORED ON THE BOTTOM OF THE MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL CLEANING EQUIPMENT (MOPS, BROOMS, ETC.) AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE PREP SURFACES IN THE COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZER SOLUTION TO LIMIT MICROBIAL GROWTH. OBSERVED ICE WANDS STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE WANDS IN A CLEAN AREA AND IN A WAY THAT PREVENTS CONTAMINATION FROM DUST AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING DOCUMENTAION FOR FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST BE TRAINED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF EMPLOYMENT AND MAINTAIN RECORDS OF CERTIFICATION ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
45
86
Mar 14, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRACKS AND CHIPS IN THE PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE BINS AND LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS AND COVERS THAT ARE SMOOTH, DURABLE AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESS WATER STANDING ON THE FOOR UNDER THE 1 COMPARTMENT PREP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN THE FLOORS TO BE CLEAN AND DRY.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF DUST ON THE CEILING TILES ABOVE THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Mar 20, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOOD. NOTED EMPLOYEE HANDLING READY TO EAT BOILED EGGS WITH HIS BARE HANDS. ADVISED EMPLOYEE AND MANAGER THAT BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOOD IS PROHIBITED. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010A
6
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY INVERT ALL MULTI USE ITEMS.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYER, THE INTERIOR TOP PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND THE EXTERIOR OF THE LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE THE REAR PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES AT THE DISH MACHINE AND UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOOD LOCATED IN THE WALK IN COOLER MUST BE STORED 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR. MUST PROVIDE MORE ADEQUATE SHELVING IN WALK IN COOLER IF NEEDED.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE WASH CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
74
Dec 2, 2014
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: NEW VIOLATION NOTED AT THIS TIME. MISSING FLOOR TILES AT THE HOT WATER TANK. MUST REPLACE AND MAKE FLOOR SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
34
95
Nov 20, 2014
Complaint
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 8 LBS COOKED AND COOLED DICED CHICKEN IN THE WALK-IN COOLER COVERED WITH PLASTIC WRAP, STORED IN DEEP METAL PANS, DATED 11-19-14 RANGING IN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 45.1 TO 46.4F. REVIEWED WITH MANAGEMENT THE PROPER METHODS OF COOLING COOKED FOODS TO 70F WITHIN 2 HOURS THEN TO 40F WITHIN AN ADDITIONAL 4 HOURS. ALL CHICKEN DISCARDED. MANAGEMENT STATES ESTIMATED VALUE TO BE $65.00. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 30 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT THE DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA AND REAR AREA NEAR CHEMICAL AND EMPLOYEE LOCKERS. INSTRUCTED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE ALL FLY ACTIVITY. REMOVE ALL MOIST ORGANIC MATERIALS FROM BOTH AREAS. CLEAN ALL DRAINS. SEAL ALL OPEN CREVICES AND POSSIBLE BREEDING LOCATIONS. RECOMMEND HAVING PEST CO. TREAT FOR FLIES. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-020.
18
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM 8-20-14 NOT CORRECTED. #35-MISSING CEILING TILE ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090.
29
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT ALONG ALL BASEBOARDS, BEHIND ALL COOLERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND INCLUDING EMPLOYEE LOCKER AREA WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MISSING WALL COVING ALONG WALL OF THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST REPLACE. MUST RE-ATTACH PLASTIC WALL NEXT TO THE ICE MACHINE.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR CHECKING FOOD TEMPERATURES.
40
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS MUST WEAR HAT/HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL COOKS WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
67
Aug 20, 2014
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: MISSING CEILING TILE ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAT/HAIR RESTRAINT.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP MUST BE PROPERLY STORED. NOT ON TOP OF MACHINE.
43
86
Oct 1, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FREEZER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE AND DUST OBSERVED.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.
34
86
Aug 6, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR OF FRYERS TO REMOVE EXCESS GREASE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALK-IN COOLER FLOOR AND STICKY REAR STORAGE AREA FLOOR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FRONT WINDOW SILLS TO REMOVE EXCESS DUST AND DEAD INSECTS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT REAR EXPOSED HANDSINK AT REAR MAIN KITCHEN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST DECLUTTER AND BETTER ORGANIZE REAR STORAGE AREA. ALL ITEMS MUST BE 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
41
78
Mar 29, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: OVER 50 REWASHED DISPOSABLE SINGLE-USE CONTAINERS WERE IN THE DISH DRYING RACK, OBTAIN ENOUGH SANITARY MULTI-USE CONTAINERS TO STORE YOUR PREPARED FOODS IN A SANITARY MANNER. Any food utensils that are stored in any standing water or sanitizer must be removed. Air dry all multi-use dispensing and cutting equipment after sanitizing.
31
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. THE FLOORS ARE DIRTY UNDER THE STORAGE SHELVES IN THE REAR KITCHEN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS AND BASEBOARDS SO THEY ARE SMOOTH AND SANITARY FROM CORNER TO CORNER.
34
90
Nov 16, 2010
License
No violations found.
100
Oct 12, 2010
License
No violations found.
100
Aug 17, 2010
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Saigon Sisters last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Saigon Sisters on file is from Mar 27, 2025. The public record contains 23 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Saigon Sisters?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Saigon Sisters.
Has Saigon Sisters' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Saigon Sisters have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Saigon Sisters 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 Saigon Sisters inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Saigon Sisters is inspected around two times per year on average.
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