Sissy's Sandwich

3224 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
American
Last inspected: Feb 4, 2026
90
Score
Low Risk

Going back to 2021, Sissy's Sandwich has 10 inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Feb 4, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around three violations each.

Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded eight times.

Sissy's Sandwich's latest score of 90 sits above the Chicago average of 81. The record reflects steady performance over time.

10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 4, 2026
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF MEAT SLICER AND SCOOPS FOR HOT RICE AND DRY STORAGE RICE STORED WITH THE HANDLE INSIDE OF FOOD ITEM. INSTRUCTED TO PLACE ICE SCOOP IN A SEPERATURE CONTAINER OR ON CLEAN SURFACE AND STORE ALL SCOOPS USED FOR FOOD ITEMS WITH THE HANDLE UP AND OUT OF FOOD ITEM.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO KEEP ALL WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED IN PROPER SANITZING SOLUTION WHEN OT IN USE.
41
90
Apr 10, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 3, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2592537 DATED:04/11/2024 #44--Observed single service items and utensils to not be inverted at the front prep line station, and observed equipment and bowls to not be inverted at the equipment storage rack at rear prep area. Instructed manager to invert items to protect against contamination. #55--Observed unused equipment stored on shelves in the rear equipment storage rack in rear prep area as well as unnecessary wood, bins, and beams along the exterior rear wall of the facility. Instructed manager to remove all unused and unnecessary items from premises and to clean and maintain area to eliminate potential pest harborage. #55--Observed rice and food residue build up on the floor below the chest freezer in rear prep area and along the walls behind 3 compartment sink. Instructed manager to clean and maintain area free of food residue build up. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN BY 4/10/2025. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.
60
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPICE CONTAINERS ON SHELF AT FRONT PREP AREA WITHOUT A LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE REACH-IN FREEZER.INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE PLASTIC BAGS OR CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE FURNACE/HOT WATER HEATER ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
74
Apr 11, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: Observed line cook employee at the front grilling area handling ready to eat (RTE) foods (bread, toast, and bagels) without the use of gloves at the front grilling area. Instructed management that all RTE foods cannot be handled with bare hands. Priority violation 7-38-010. Consolidated with the above citation.
9
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: Observed line cook employee at the front grilling area to place raw chicken onto the grill, wipes soiled hands onto wiping cloth, then did not wash hands, and proceeded to change tasks as well as prepare food. Instructed to wash hands whenever changing tasks or gloves or every possible contamination, and instructed manager to re share information with all staff. Priority violation 7-38-010. Citation issued.
8
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Observed unused equipment stored on shelves in the rear equipment storage rack in rear prep area as well as unnecessary wood, bins, and beams along the exterior rear wall of the facility. Instructed manager to remove all unused and unnecessary items from premises and to clean and maintain area to eliminate potential pest harborage.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Observed rice and food residue build up on the floor below the chest freezer in rear prep area and along the walls behind 3 compartment sink. Instructed manager to clean and maintain area free of food residue build up.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Observed lights over the prep tables in rear preparation room to be missing a cover. Instructed manager to provide appropriate protective shielding.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Observed 2 overhead lights in the front grill area to not be functional at time of inspection. Instructed manager to repair or replace lights to provide appropriate light intensity in grilling area.
56
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: Observed a gap larger than 1/4 inch at the rear exit door to alley. Instructed manager to repair and rodent proof the rear exit door.
38
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Scoop used in rice storage bin in rear prep area was found to be stored submerged in the contents of storage bin. Scoop was removed, and instructed manager to properly store all utensils between use.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: Observed single service items and utensils to not be inverted at the front prep line station, and observed equipment and bowls to not be inverted at the equipment storage rack at rear prep area. Instructed manager to invert items to protect against contamination.
44
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Observed no sink used for food preparation present in the smoothie, coffee and beverage service area located at the front cash register area. Instructed manager that a food preparation sink for food preparation, obtaining water, and discarding liquid waste must be available in this service area.
51
50
Mar 16, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 13, 2023
Reinspection
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 OBSERVED INCOMPLETE REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE NOTICE ON MENU. MENU ONLY HAS STATEMENT AT BOTTOM AND DOES NOT SPECIFY WHICH ITEMS DISCLAIMER IS APPLICABLE TO. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.111 OBSERVED 30 RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN INCLUDING NEAR 3 COMP SINK AND IN STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) NO CITATION ISSUED.
38
82
Mar 9, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS TCS FOODS STORED AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 45-51 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE THAT ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE KEPT AT 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED : 24 POUNDS OF EGGS, 8 GALLONS OF MILK, 16 POUNDS OF CHICKEN AND PORK, 6 POUNDS OF HAM, 2 POUNDS TOMATO, 8 POUNDS EMPANADAS, 1 POUND TUNA, 4 GALLONS CREAM, AND 2 POUNDS OF CREAM CHEESE ($1000). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 COOLERS WITH INADEQUATE INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURES OF 46 (REAR PREP COOLER) AND 47 (FRONT PREP COOLER) F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COOLERS HAVE AN INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLERS TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
33
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INCOMPLETE REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE NOTICE ON MENU. MENU ONLY HAS STATEMENT AT BOTTOM AND DOES NOT SPECIFY WHICH ITEMS DISCLAIMER IS APPLICABLE TO. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 30 RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN INCLUDING NEAR 3 COMP SINK AND IN STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
38
61
Jun 23, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
57
86
Dec 2, 2021
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE OBSERVED ON THE SUPPLY LINE TO THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 SEAL THE BOTTOM OF THE WALL IN THE REAR PREP AREA UNDER THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 REMOVE CONSTRUCTION ITEMS AND CLUTTER FROM STORAGE ROOM NEXT TO THE WASHROOM.
55
86
Nov 22, 2021
License
1 critical violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE GRILL WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 60F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 41F. PRIORITY 7-38-005.
33
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD ON THE BACK OF THE COUNTERTOP AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE OBSERVED ON THE SUPPLY LINE TO THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: THE WASHROOM DOOR IS NOT SELF-CLOSING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOOR.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: SEAL THE BOTTOM OF THE WALL IN THE REAR PREP AREA UNDER THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: REMOVE CONSTRUCTION ITEMS AND CLUTTER FROM STORAGE ROOM NEXT TO THE WASHROOM.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL LIGHT SHIELDS WHERE MISSING IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION FAN IN THE WASHROOM. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
56
61

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Sissy's Sandwich last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Sissy's Sandwich on file is from Feb 4, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Sissy's Sandwich?

Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Sissy's Sandwich.

Has Sissy's Sandwich's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Sissy's Sandwich have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Sissy's Sandwich 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 Sissy's Sandwich inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Sissy's Sandwich is inspected around two times per year on average.