Schwa
Last inspected: Oct 31, 2025
50
Score
Inspectors have visited Schwa 15 times, with records going back to 2010. The most recent visit was on Oct 31, 2025. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around five violations per visit lately, up from roughly two violations before.
“Insects, rodents, & animals not present” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing six times across the record.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
15
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 31, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF 3- DOOR REACH IN COOLER SUCH AS 12 OZ. SHRIMP DUMPLINGS-56.4F.5LBS. RAW TROUT-49.0F-51.1F.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 5.12 LBS.$75.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
22
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT COOKED MUFFINS BY FOOD HANDLER INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE GLOVES OR UTENSILS TO HANDLE FOODS.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
9
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN IN TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BEARD GUARD FOR MALE FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Gloves used properly
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO USAGE OF DIPOSABLE GLOVES FOR HANDLING OF READY TO EAT FOODS.(COS)
46
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR STORAGE IN BASEMENT AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICES ON FAUCETS OF MOPSINK WITH GARDEN HOSES ATTACHED TO FILL UP BUCKET MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL HOLE IN FLOOR UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE ,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE BOXES AND ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT.
55
Compliance with clean indoor air ordinance
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 25 OR MORE CIGARETTE BUTTS IN STAFF BREAK AREA/EQUIPMENT STORAGE AREA IN THE BASEMENT SCATTERED ON THE FLOOR BEING USED AS AN ASH TRAY INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT THERE IS NO SMOKING OR STORAGE OF SMOKING MATERIALS ALLOWED ON PREMISES.MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN AREA.(7-32-020(C)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
62
50
Dec 10, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PREVIOUS SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2574136 DATED APRIL 12TH 2023. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO POST SUMMARY FOR PUBLIC VIEW PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B) CITATION ISSUED.
61
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTED RACKS ON INTERIOR OF LARGE 3 DOOR COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAINT OR REPLACE RACKS.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS BUILD UP ON GRIDDLE FILTERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
56
82
Apr 12, 2023
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2492352 DATED 3/3/2021. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B)B. CITATION ISSUED.
61
90
Mar 3, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 24, 2021
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND ITEMS ON MENU SERVED RAW. FOUND REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE. FOUND NO FOOTNOTE. MUST PROVIDE FOOTNOTE,DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER TO ANY MENU ITEMS SERVED RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
90
Dec 26, 2019
Reinspection
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: : OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE OF THE RISK OF CONSUMING RAW AND UNDERCOOKED FOODS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION- NO CITATION ISSUED)
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MIANTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPX."3/4-1" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE FOIL LINED ALONG WALL AT COOKING EQUIPMENT.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
70
Dec 18, 2019
Routine
7 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MIANTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE OF THE RISK OF CONSUMING RAW AND UNDERCOOKED FOODS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION- NO CITATION ISSUED)
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK WITH REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO VIEW.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C)
38
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PIC DOESN'T HAVE A FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION- NO CITATION ISSUED)
1
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT TO CHECK SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM'S AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
48
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW AT THIS TIME.MUST PROVIDE AND POST AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPX."3/4-1" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE FOIL LINED ALONG WALL AT COOKING EQUIPMENT.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
43
Aug 24, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. PREMISES SERVES MEATBALLS AND FISH. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: THE INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS NOT POSTED WHERE IT WAS VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010B.
28
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: THE RESTROOM DOOR THAT OPENS INTO THE FOOD PREP AREA LACKS A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE. MUST INSTALL.
37
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
45
78
Dec 21, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Found excessive dust build up on fan covers in 3 door cooler in kitchen. Must remove, clean and sanitize. Must maintain same.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Found ventilation hood above cook line with excessive dust build up. Must remove, clean and sanitize. Must maintain same.
35
90
Oct 1, 2015
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE OR POSTED AT TIME OF REINSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN AND POST CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT INFORMATION WITH MANAGER TO OBTAIN FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
45
90
Sep 22, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND HAVE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON DUTY OR CERTIFICATE POSTED INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO POST CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFACTE AND HAVE PERSON ON SITE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
21
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO POST AND MAINTAIN SUMMARY POSTED FOR ALL CUSTOMERS TO VIEW. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010(B)
28
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 6-25-14 REPORT #1474041 INSP#386 VIOLATION #37 INSTALL SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR (LOCATED IN PREP AREA) #38REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
29
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT INFORMATION WITH MANAGER TO OBTAIN FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
45
78
Jun 25, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON DUTY OR CERTIFICATE POSTED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012A CITATION ISSUED.
21
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL OPENING IN WALL NEAR WASHROOM.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD IN PREP AREA.
36
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: INSTALL SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
78
Oct 8, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: THE ABOVE IS OPERATING WITHOUT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED SUCH AS PASTA DOUGH,SHORT BREAD COOKIES,AND SLICED STRAWBERRIES CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012
21
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR OF LIGHT SHIELD COVERS IN THE REAR PREP AREA OF DUST
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE DRAIN STOPPERS AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER INSIDE THE 3 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN THE REAQR PREP AREA
40
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: SEVERAL FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA,MUST PROVIDE
42
78
Jun 8, 2012
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 15, 2010
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served.FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER DURING THIS INSPECTION OPEN/OPERATING OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS BEING PREPARED VEAL STOCK AND CORN SOUP ON HOT COOKING STOVE.
21
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use.MULTI-USE UTENSILS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED,INVERTED IN KITCHEN SHELVING TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.
31
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.WALLS/CEILING ALONG DRY STORAGE FOODS IN KITCHEN MUST BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE REMOVE PEELING PAINT.
35
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.FOUND MISSING FILTERS AT HOOD ABOVE HOY COOKING EQUIPMENTS.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS.
40
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair.MUST PROVIDE ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITH HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Schwa last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Schwa on file is from Oct 31, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Schwa?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Schwa.
Has Schwa's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Schwa have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Schwa means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Schwa inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Schwa is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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