Soul and Smoke
Last inspected: Oct 15, 2025
82
Score
Public records show eight inspections at Soul and Smoke stretching back to 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Oct 15, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near two violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.
Among Chicago restaurants, this is a fairly standard result. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 15, 2025
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30-40 DEAD VARIOUS INSECTS (ANTS, HOUSE FLIES) ALONG WALLS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT EATING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD INSECTS AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREA(S) AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT DECOMPOSITION AND BECOMING AN ATTRACTANT TO OTHER PESTS AND MAINTAIN.
38
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS STORED IN WATER AT LESS THAN 135.0F IN THE STEAM TABLE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN-USE UTENSILS IN RUNNING WATER OR IN WATER MAINTAINED AT 135.0F OR ABOVE BETWEEN USES AND MAINTAIN.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR AND FLOOR-MOUNTED DRAIN BENEATH THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO BE HEAVILY-SOILED WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER SOIL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND PLUMBING FIXTURES AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS STORED ON 1-COMPARTMENT SINK (NOT IN-USE) AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO STORE PERSONAL ITEMS THAT DOES NOT POSE RISK OF CONTAMINATION OF FOOD, CLEAN EQUIPMENT, OR UTENSILS AND MAINTAIN.
56
82
Aug 12, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.12--- OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS STORED IN WATER AT LESS THAN 135.0F IN THE STEAM TABLE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN-USE UTENSILS IN RUNNING WATER OR IN WATER MAINTAINED AT 135.0F OR ABOVE BETWEEN USES AND MAINTAIN.
43
95
Aug 5, 2025
Complaint
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food received at proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHICKEN RECEIVED ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION IN THE 2-DOOR UPRIGHT COOLER WITH EVIDENCE OF PREVIOUS TEMPERATURE ABUSE, INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 46.6F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO DENATURE AND DISCARD FOOD DISPLAYING EVIDENCE OF PREVIOUS TEMPERATURE ABUSE AND TO REJECT SUCH FOOD UPON RECEIPT. APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS OF FOOD VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $30.00 DISCARDED ON-SITE. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DENATURED AND DISCARDED LISTED FOOD AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
12
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITH INCOMPLETE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK, NO PEST CONTROL SERVICE REPORTS FROM 2025. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COMPLETE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH ALL PEST CONTROL SERVICE REPORTS AND UP TO DATE ITEMS AS REQUIRED BY THE LAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(C) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CONTAINER OF FROZEN SHRIMP THAWING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE WITHOUT RUNNING WATER IN THE 1-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOOD ITEMS USING APPROVED THAWING METHODS, SUCH AS UNDER REFRIGERATION OR UNDER RUNNING WATER AT 70.0F OR LESS AND MAINTAIN.
35
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS STORED IN WATER AT LESS THAN 135.0F IN THE STEAM TABLE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN-USE UTENSILS IN RUNNING WATER OR IN WATER MAINTAINED AT 135.0F OR ABOVE BETWEEN USES AND MAINTAIN.
43
74
Dec 19, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Dec 12, 2024
Routine
4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS PORK WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF PINK AND BLACK SLIME IN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE USED TO PRODUCE ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND DISCARD TWO BATCHES OF ICE BEFORE RESUMING USE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2577247 DATED 6/13/2023. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CAKE SLICES IN PLASTIC CLAMSHELL CONTAINERS SOLD "TO GO" WITHOUT PROPER LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH BUSINESS CONTACT INFORMATION AND INGREDIENTS.
37
64
Aug 22, 2023
License
No violations found.
100
Jun 13, 2023
Reinspection
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) FOUND NO SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMP LOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010
3
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER/LID INSIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BRICK WALL BEHIND REACH-IN COOLER AND HOT HOLDING UNITS IN PREP AREA NOT SMOOTH. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY INSTALL A SMOOTH, DURABLE AND EASILY CLEANABLE WALL COVERING, BACKSPLACH OR TILES.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 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
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-204.112(B) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
36
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED BEHIND ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
67
Jun 6, 2023
License
3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN REQUIRED PROCEDURE/PLAN AND APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER/SPRAY THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND NO LICENSED PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK AVAILABLE ON BUSINESS (RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS SHALL CONTRACT WITH A LICENSED EXTERMINATOR WHO SHALL PROVIDE INSECT AND VERMIN SERVICES AT THE ESTABLISHMENT AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH A COMPLETE CONTENTS (CONTRACT/SERVICE AGREEMENT, SERVICE REPORT, CHEMICALS USED ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK INSIDE MEN'S WASHROOM.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
36
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED BEHIND ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO GREASE BOX CONNECTED UNDER THE 3 COMPARMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
52
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER/LID INSIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM.
53
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
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
52
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Soul and Smoke last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Soul and Smoke on file is from Oct 15, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Soul and Smoke?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Soul and Smoke.
Has Soul and Smoke's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Soul and Smoke have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Soul and Smoke 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 Soul and Smoke inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Soul and Smoke is inspected around three times per year on average.
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