Smakosz Restaurant
Last inspected: Oct 6, 2025
90
Score
Going back to 2014, Smakosz Restaurant has 14 inspections in the public record. Smakosz Restaurant was last inspected on Oct 6, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around four violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable”, showing up six times.
Smakosz Restaurant's latest score of 90 sits above the Chicago average of 81. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 6, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED ON ICE MACHINE WATER LINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAKE VISIBLE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR ICE MACHINE.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN WOMENS WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
90
Aug 1, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON INTERIOR OF 2 DOOR COOLER LOCATED ON EAST WALL OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
95
Jul 25, 2024
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO CONTRACT WITH A LICENSE PEST CONTROL PROVIDER, RECEIVE SERVICE, AND MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ITEMS ON MENU SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED SUCH AS "SUNNY SIDE UP" EGGS AND VEAL LIVER WITHOUT CONSUMER ADVISORY. INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE CONSUMER ADVISORY TO ALL VERSIONS OF MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. SEE COMMENTS.
25
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME IN INTERIOR OF BASEMENT ICE MACHINE USED TO PRODUCE ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN MACHINE FREE OF SLIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN "LOWBOY" PREP COOLER LOCATED NEAR COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON INTERIOR OF 2 DOOR COOLER LOCATED ON EAST WALL OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
64
Oct 30, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND BULK FOOD WITH NO LABELS.(FLOUR,SUGAR,ETC.)MUST LABEL.
37
95
Nov 7, 2022
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS INSIDE PREP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS ESPECIALLY BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN THE BAR AREA.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SALT, SUGAE ETC) IN THE KITCHEN.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSRUCTED TO PROVIDE LID/COVER FOR ICE BIN BEHIND THE BAR.
47
74
Mar 26, 2021
Routine
1 critical violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS ITEMS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN PREP AREA: PORTIONED CONTAINERS OF TRIPE SOUP AT TEMPERATURES BETWEEN 47.3F AND 47.8F AND A CONTAINER OF TARTAR SAUCE HELD AT 48.2F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROXIMATELY 5LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT AN APPROXIMATE $70. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS ITEMS AT OR BELOW 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ITEMS SUCH AS COLESLAW, SAUERKRAUT, AND BORSCHT STORED INSIDE REPURPOSED USED PLASTIC FOOD CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD INSIDE CONTAINERS INTENDED FOR REUSE.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN AND DIRTY GASKETS ON ALL PREP COOLERS LOCATED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY, RUSTY RACKS INSIDE ALL PREP COOLERS LOCATED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITON.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DIRT, FOOD DEBRIS, GREASE, AND GRIME INSIDE FRYER CABINETS, MICROWAVES, AND BOTTOM OF PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE ON FILTERS ABOVE MAIN COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED GLASS BULBS IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER PROVIDE COVERS OR REPLACE WITH UNBREAKABLE BULBS.
56
64
Aug 22, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 15, 2019
Complaint
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOOD (PORK,COOKED POTATOES) NOT PROPERLY DATED STORED IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
23
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUSLY CITED CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 5/7/2019 REPORT #2288380 NOT CORRECTED #55 NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER ON SHELVES AND BASEMENT STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST UPGRADE HOUSING KEEPING #58 NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
60
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NOTED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE 4 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MAST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN SHELVING IN 2 DOOR RIGHT SIDE COOLER AND GASKET ON 2 DOOR COOLER LEFT SIDE UNIT
47
74
May 7, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TIME FOR TEMPERATURE SAFETY FOR CONTROL FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATED IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
23
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: FACILITY USES HI TEMPERATURE SANITIZING DISH MACHINE AND DOESN'T HAVE PROPER TEMPERATURE MEASURING IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR THAT SHALL BE PROVIDED AND READILY ACCESSIBLE FOR MEASURING THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
48
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-7-38.010-NO CITATION ISSUED)
3
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME( SUGAR, FLOWER ETC)MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER ON SHELVES AND BASEMENT STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST UPGRADE HOUSING KEEPING
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY CEILING FANS AT THE PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
55
Aug 29, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (CHICKEN, PORK, SOUPS, SALADS ETC.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. USABLE ITEMS (FOOD AND NON FOOD) MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
41
86
Jun 23, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed a torn gasket on the right door of the 2 door prep cooler in the kitchen. Instructed facility to replace and maintain.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Observed dirt accumulation in the gaskets of the two door prep cooler in the kitchen. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed the caulk between the wall and the kitchen exposed handsink to have a black mold-like substance built up in it. Instructed facility to remove, clean area, recaulk, and maintain.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed the kitchen exposed handsink to be slow draining. Instructed facility to repair and maintain.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: No Illinois Foodhandler certificates on site. Instructed facility that all foodhandlers must obtain and maintain certificates.
45
78
Jun 19, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE:FOUND TWO BAGS OF RAW PORK STORED INSIDE CHEST FREEZER AT TEMP OF 49.7F-53.7F AND 54F;ALSO A POT FULL OF COOKED POTATOES STORED UNDER THE STAIRCASE THAT GOES DOWN THE BASEMENT AT TEMP OF 113F TO 116F.HOT FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 140F AND ABOVE,COLD FOOD 40F AND BELOW. TEMPERATURE ABUSE FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED.POUNDS 35,VALUE 100. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
3
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: FOUND EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE KITCHEN NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING.INSIDE THE SINK WAS DRAINING FOUR PANS AND BEHIND THE FAUCET A GREEN CUTTING BOARD,NECK FAUCET WAS TILT TO THE LEFT. AS I WAS STANDING IN THE KITCHEN AWAITING TO WASH MY HANDS,COOK REMOVED PANS AND STORED THEM.INFORMATION ON ACCESSIBILITY OF EXPOSED HAND SINK GIVEN.ALL ITEMS REMOVED. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030
12
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOOD STORED INSIDE THE CHEST FREEZER MUST BE COVERED.ALSO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS TO STORE FOOD.
31
86
May 12, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 8, 2014
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: NO EXPOSED HANDWASH BOWL AT BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EXPOSED HANDWASH BOWL AT BAR WITH RUNNING HOT AND COLD WATER.
11
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Smakosz Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Smakosz Restaurant on file is from Oct 6, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Smakosz Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Smakosz Restaurant.
Has Smakosz Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Smakosz Restaurant have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Smakosz Restaurant 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 Smakosz Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Smakosz Restaurant is inspected roughly once per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants