Sepia
Last inspected: Sep 16, 2025
95
Score
The health department has logged 15 inspections at Sepia, the earliest from 2011. Sepia was last inspected on Sep 16, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around three violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code”, showing up seven times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. The record reflects steady performance over time.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 16, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY.MUST STORE INVERTED.
44
95
Aug 15, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WASHROOM DOOR IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
53
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVER ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE ICE CREAM STORAGE DEEP FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT. MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMP SINK WITH A LEAK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
86
Aug 15, 2023
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19 OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE STORAGE AREA LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE INTERIOR FLOORS OF THE STORAGE AREA WHERE BOTTLES OF LIQUOR ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED A SLOW WATER DRAINING AT THE LEFT-HAND SINK LOCATED IN THE WOMEN PUBLIC TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ALL PLUMBING.
51
86
Aug 8, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK AND PINK SLIME SUBSTANCE THROUGHOUT THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE WHERE ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION IS BEING MADE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
16
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND SINK BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPER BEING STORED ON A TOP OF THE TOP OF THE ICE MACHINE IN AN OPEN BIN WITH THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACE EXPOSED. INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOP BETWEEN USES.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE STORAGE AREA LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE INTERIOR FLOORS OF THE STORAGE AREA WHERE BOTTLES OF LIQUOR IS BEING STORED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE SPRAYER HEAD LOCATED IN THE DISH AREA. ALSO OBSERVED A SLOW DRAINING OF WATER AT THE LEFT-HAND SINK LOCATED IN THE WOMEN PUBLIC TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ALL PLUMBING ISSUES LIST ABOVE.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
67
Dec 7, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 19, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRATES USED FOR ELEVATION AND STORAGE THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS ON PREMISE THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT LEAK ON 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET NECK AS WELL AS THE LEFT WASHBOWL LOCATED IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO USE ADDITIONAL WASHBOWL IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AS WELL REPAIR 3 COMP. MUST MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION
51
90
May 9, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO CLEAN UP KIT OR PROCEDURES ONSITE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE KIT AND POST PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST DISCONTINUE USING MILK CRATES FOR STORAGE RACKS THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS AND WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE PROPER RACKS FOR FOOD AND EQUIPMENT STORAGE.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Surfaces such as cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and SANITIZED, or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTALL SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK AND BAR UTENSILS BEHIND BAR , (OR MOVE UTENSILS). REPLACE BROKEN SINK STOPPER AT FIRST COMPARTMENT IN THE 3-COMP SINK IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. REPAIR RUST ON STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK IN COOLER, SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT 2-COMP SINK IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
58
64
Jan 29, 2018
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: Observed potentially hazardous food at improper temperature in walk in cooler: 50.1f, 4lbs of sweet potato puree, at a value of $10.00: Date: 1/26/18 48.7f, 5lbs beef a au jus/stock, at a value of $50.00: Date: 1/26/18 46.7f, 25lbs of aigo/garlic stock, at a value of $5.00 At time of inspection air temperature of walk in cooler was 39.9f. Manager stated total weight of 34 lbs at approximately value of $65.00 Manager voluntarily discarded/denatured said food. instructed to keep all cold food at 40 f or below and hot food at 140 or above. Critical violation 7-38-005(a)
3
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: Observed food handler touching seared fish/trout dish at front cook line with bare hand contact. Also observed food handler touching thai chicken sandwich with hands, at time of inspection. Instructed manager no bare hand contact with ready to eat foods use tongs, gloves or utensils to prevent bare hand contact with ready to eat foods. Manager corrected violation during inspection. Critical violation # 7-38-010 (a)
6
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed raw wood cage structure in basement dry storage area, across from office and in rear near beverage room. Also observed unfinished drywall/plastered ceiling in rear area adjacent to dry storage area. Instructed manager to seal and ensure surface is smooth and easily cleanable.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Observed dust accumulation on light shield above cook line. Instructed manager to detail clean and maintain at all.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed cracked light shield throughout cook line area on main floor. Instructed manager to replace and maintain at all times.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed slightly slow draining exposed hand sink at front bar area. Instructed manager to repair slow drain. Maintain at all times.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: Observed food handler with no hair restraint at front cook line. Instructed manager to provide and ensure all food handlers wear proper hair restraints when prepping and serving foods.
42
70
May 31, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: Found exposed hand sink at the bar without soap or paper towels. Must have soap and paper towels available at each exposed hand sink at all times. Operator provided soap and paper towels during inspection. Critical violation 7-38-030.
12
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Found two large holes in the wall above employee lockers. Must repair to prevent pest entry. Must maintain same.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Several lights throughout basement prep (dry storage, hallway, etc.) without light shields. Corner of prep near employee restroom without proper lighting. Must provide adequate lighting to allow for proper cleaning. All lights in prep areas must be shielded or have shatter proof bulbs. Must maintain same.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed dry storage (paper products, cups, etc.) stored directly below the sewage waste pipe in basement. Must relocate items stored beneath sewage pipe or completely encase all sewage pipes. Must maintain same.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: must provide proof of food handler training for all employees.
45
78
Apr 6, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (POT STICKERS, CHICKEN) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY FROST BUILD UP IN THE ICE CHEST FREEZER AND THE MEAT CHEST FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND MAINTAIN. THE LID ON THE MEAT CHEST FREEZER IS BROKEN AND DOES NOT CLOSE TIGHTLY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE LID.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ON THE LIGHT ABOVE NEAR THE BASEMENT MOP SINK. REPLACE THE LIGHT SHIELD.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE FAN COVER IS MISSING FROM THE FAN ABOVE THE UPSTAIRS MOP SINK. MUST PROVIDE. THE FAUCET ON THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IS LEAKING. MUST REPAIR THE LEAK.
38
82
Mar 30, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Source sound condition, no spoilage, foods properly labeled, shellfish tags in place
Inspector notes: NOTED SHELLFISH BEING STORED WITHOUT THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION TAGS. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 3LBS OF CLAMS BEING STORED IN THE WALK IN COOLER WITHOUT THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION TAGS ATTACHED. MUST PROVIDE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005B
1
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 IN THE PREP AREA.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE VENT COVERS IN EACH WASHROOM.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE WALLS UNDER THE DISH MACHINE.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SANITARY CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY STORE ICE DISPENSING UTENSILS AT THE BAR.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR EMPLOYEES AS REQUIRED.
45
74
Aug 6, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR ICE MACHINE CLOSEST TO KITCHEN STAIRWELL DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MISSING/DAMAGED BASEBOARD COVING BEHIND TALL REACH-IN FREEZER. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING/PREPARING FOODS, IN THE FOOD PREP AREA, MUST WEAR HAT/HAIR RESTRAINT.
42
86
Sep 24, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ONE ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. SOME DUST OBSERVED INSIDE BOTTOM OF FRYER; REMOVE IN MAIN KITCHEN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER, AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN LOWER WALL UNDER DISHMACHINE IN KITCHEN. CLEAN CEILING VENTS IN BOTH WASHROOMS ON MAIN FLOOR. REATTACH LOOSE WALL COVING AT LOWER WALL IN DRY STORAGE AREA ON RIGHT SIDE UNDER SHELF.
35
86
Jul 11, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP/DARK GROOVES MUST BE SANDED/BLEACHED OR REPLACED AS WELL AS CLEANED AND SANITIZED. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE GASKET AT 1 DOOR REFRIGERATOR.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WALLBASE COUVING UNDER DRY STORAGE SHELVES AT BASEMENT
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST TIGHTEN FAUCET BASE AT 2COMP SINK IN THE BASEMENT AND AT EXPOSED HANDSINK IN THE KITCHEN. ALSO REPAIR LEAKS AT SAME SINKS MENTIONED ABOVE.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD PREP STAFF MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES.
42
82
Jul 26, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. THE WALK IN FOOD COOLER HAS A PITTED AND FLAKING CONDENSER CATCH PAN, REPAIR OR REPLACE SAID PAN. THE SOUTH ICE MACHINE HAS A DIRTY AREA WHERE THE GASKET PEELED OFF, CLEAN SAID AREA SO IT IS SANITARY AND SMOOTH.
32
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 IN THE CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AND BAR. THE KITCHEN FLOORS ARE PITTED AND UNSANITARY. CLEAN,RESEAL AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS AND BASEBOARDS SO THEY ARE SMOOTH AND SANITARY FROM CORNER TO CORNER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE FIRST FLOOR KITCHEN WALL BEHIND THE STOVES HAS OLD PLUMBING HOLES WHICH NEED TO BE FILLED IN. The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: THE ICE BUCKETS ARE DIRTY ON THE OUTSIDE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE BUCKETS. THE TUMBLER WITH OUT A HANDLE FOUND IN THE BAR ICE BIN AND THE SCOOP LEFT IN THE WAIT STATION ICE BIN ARE ALLOWING SECONDARY HAND CONTACT WITH EDIBLE ICE, STORE SANITARY SCOOPS IN OR ON A SANITARY SURFACE. Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination.
43
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sepia last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Sepia on file is from Sep 16, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Sepia?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Sepia.
Has Sepia's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Sepia have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Sepia 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 Sepia inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Sepia is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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