Salerno's
Last inspected: Aug 27, 2025
82
Score
Salerno's appears in inspection records 14 times, starting in 2019. Inspectors last stopped by on Aug 27, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around seven violations lately compared to roughly three violations before.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded nine times in the inspection record.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, this is about average. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 27, 2025
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (BULK & SQUEEZE BOTTLES)
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.11 MUST ELEVATE FOOD PRODUCT FROM WALK-IN COOLER & FREEZER FLOOR AND STORE ON ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11 MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON HOT & COLD HOLDING LINE & PASTA PREP COOLERS, WALK IN FREEZER INTERIOR DOOR PANEL IN POOR REPAIR.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SEVERAL BROKEN FLOOR TILES AND GROUT THE SAME IN THE MAIN PREP AREA.
55
82
Jul 1, 2025
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (BULK & SQUEEZE BOTTLES)
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.11 : MUST ELEVATE FOOD PRODUCT FROM WALK IN COOLER & FREEZER FLOOR AND STORE ON ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON HOT & COLD HOLDING LINE & PASTA PREP COOLERS,WALK IN FREEZER INTERIOR DOOR PANEL IN POOR REPAIR.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SEVERAL BROKEN FLOOR TILES AND GROUT THE SAME IN MAIN PREP AREA.
55
82
Jun 26, 2025
Complaint
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 26LBS. COOKED CHICKEN WINGS- AT 70.0F .10LBS. SAUSAGE-50.0F. IN PREP COOLERS. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 36LBS.$428. (PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)(COS)
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF 2- DOOR PREP COOLER AT 69.1F AND 62.4F AT PIZZA PREP COOLER WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED ON UNITS. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.EMAIL:FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG WHEN READY. (PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED
33
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOT RUNNING WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND SINK AT 65.5F IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM NEAR BAR AREA.MUST HAVE HOT RUNNING WATER AT 100.0F.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
10
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 4LBS. COOKED MEAT BALLS AT 128.0F AND 1LBS. COOKED LASAGNA-108.0F ON STEAM TABLE. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE.APPX. 5LBS.$93. (PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
21
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 90-DAY SHELLFISH TAGS FOR CLAMS NOT DATED AND SIGNED OF LAST DATE SOLD OR SERVED .MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
14
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE DRINKING FROM A LARGE PITCHER IN PREP AREA INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LID AND STRAW AND GO TO A DESIGNATED AREA.
6
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS IN PREP COOLERS ON HOT & COLD LINE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (BULK & SQUEEZE BOTTLES)
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE FOOD PRODUCT FROM WALK IN COOLER & FREEZER FLOOR AND STORE ON ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON HOT & COLD HOLDING LINE & PASTA PREP COOLERS,WALK IN FREEZER INTERIOR DOOR PANEL IN POOR REPAIR.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SEVERAL BROKEN FLOOR TILES AND GROUT THE SAME IN MAIN PREP AREA.
55
33
Apr 21, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 11, 2025
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THE REPAIR OF THE HANDWASHING SINK SO THAT IT IS ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2593423 ON 4/25/24 NOT CORRECTED: 57 - OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF VALID TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
82
Apr 25, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES IN PUBLIC VIEW. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN THE PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER NEXT TO THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE OF ALL COOLERS.
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL DEAD INSECTS ON THE FLOOR OF THE DISHWASHING AREA BENEATH THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF THE FOOD PREP TABLES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE WET WIPING CLOTHS IN A CONTAINER OF SANITIZER WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET COVERED WITH DUCT TAPE INSIDE OF THE PIZZA PREP COOLER'S LEFT DOOR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A STAINED AND HEAVILY STAINED CUTTING BOARD USED TO CUT CHICKEN IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARD.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE TOP OF THE DISH MACHINE AND THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE.
49
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
57
64
Oct 30, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 23, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM PREVIOUS REPORT #2552791 DATED 3/11/2022: #53 "TOILET ROOM DOOR IN BASEMENT IS NOT SELF COLSING. MUST PROVIDE SELF-CLOSING DEVICE." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE SEVERAL PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED DIRECTLY IN ICE BIN LOCATED AT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF ICE TO AVOID CONTAMINATION.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON INTERIOR DOORS OF PREP COOLER LOCATED ON COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN BASEMENT REPAIRED WITH A ZIP TIE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 CERTIFIED MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
70
Mar 11, 2022
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOM DOOR IN BASEMENT IS NOT SELF COLSING. MUST PROVIDE SELF-CLOSING DEVICE.
53
95
Jan 19, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOPS AND BROOMS STORED IN MOP BUCKETS AND REFUSE CONTAINERS. MOPS AND BROOMS MUST HANG TO AIR DRY AND PREVENT POTENITAL PEST HARBORAGE.
44
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOM DOOR IN BASEMENT IS NOT SELF COLSING. MUST PROVIDE SELF-CLOSING DEVICE.
53
90
Mar 25, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: FOUND SHELL STOCK TAGS WITHOUT LAST SERVED OR SOLD DATE. THE DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED SHALL BE RECORDED ON THE TAG OR LABEL.SHELLSTOCK TAGS OR LABELS SHALL REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE CONTAINER IN WHICH THE SHELLSTOCK ARE RECEIVED UNTIL THE CONTAINER IS EMPTY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
14
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND CUTTING SURFACES THROUGHOUT FACILITY STAINED WITH DEEP GROOVES. MUST RESURFACE AND REPAIR OR REPLACE. MUST MAINTAIN.
47
86
Mar 18, 2021
Complaint
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (COOKED CHICKEN) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES LOCATED IN REACH IN COOLER AT 52F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE ALL SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER DISCARDED ALL SAID TCS FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION CONSALIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
22
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD (TCS)COOKED: LASAGNA, SAUSAGE, AND MASH POTATOES AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 92F - 110F. ALL HOT HOLDING TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 135F OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED VOLUNTARILY BY MANAGER.
21
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: FOUND SHELL STOCK TAGS WITHOUT LAST SERVED OR SOLD DATE. THE DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED SHALL BE RECORDED ON THE TAG OR LABEL.SHELLSTOCK TAGS OR LABELS SHALL REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE CONTAINER IN WHICH THE SHELLSTOCK ARE RECEIVED UNTIL THE CONTAINER IS EMPTY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
14
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STEAK AND BURGERS ON ON MENU SAID ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED UNDER COOKED. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE FOOTNOTE, DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR MENU ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDER COOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 15 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN BASEMENT FOOD PREPARATION AREA ALONG WALL BEHIND HOBART MIXER IN STORAGE AREA BEHIND PIZZA BOXES, INSTRUCTED MANBAGER TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN SAID AREAS. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-020(A) .CITATION ISSUED.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER PREPARING FOOD AT PASTA STATION. OBSERVED UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE DRIPPING FROM CEILING IN PASTA STATION ON CUTTING BOARD WHERE BREAD WAS LOCATED. DURING PREPARATION, UNPACKAGED FOOD SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM ENVIRONMENTAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO FIX LEAK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.
39
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BASEMENT CEILING OVER FOOD PREPRATION/3 COMPARTMENT SINK UNFINISHED. MUST PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS WALLS AND CEILINGS AT ALL TIMES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND LIGHT SHEILD OVER PASTA STATION PARTIALLY BROKEN. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
45
Apr 23, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: NO WIPING CLOTHS STORED IN SANITIZING SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
41
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA ALONG THE BASEBOARDS ENCASED WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A COOLER AND A FREEZER IN THE PREP AREA NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN
55
86
Aug 13, 2019
License
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE TABLES IN THE PREP/KITCHEN AREA WITH FOOD SPLATTER AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS OF ONIONS, FLOUR, SUGAR WITH NO LABEL. INSTRUCTED THAT WHEN OUT OF ORIGINAL CONTAINER, THERE MUST BE A FOOD LABEL OF THE COMMON NAME.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP TABLE IN THE BACK KITCHEN MOUNTED ON WOODEN SLATES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE/REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE EXTERIOR OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND COOLERS WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE CEILING IN THE WAREWASHING AREA ABOVE THE 3-COMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA ALONG THE BASEBOARDS ENCASED WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS SHELF LINER IN THE PREP AREA AND AS FLOOR COVERING IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD AND MAINTAIN FLOOR SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBENT AND EASILY CLEANABLE-----MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS TO REMOVE SPILL, DEBRIS AND/OR WATER: KITCHEN, DISH WASHING AREAS AND IN BASEMENT BEHIND DRY STORAGE SHELVING
55
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Salerno's last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Salerno's on file is from Aug 27, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Salerno's?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Salerno's.
Has Salerno's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Salerno's have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Salerno's 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 Salerno's inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Salerno's is inspected around two times per year on average.
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