Subway 51581
Last inspected: Dec 24, 2025
78
Score
Subway 51581 appears in inspection records 26 times, starting in 2011. The latest inspection on file is from Dec 24, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around two violations each.
Looking across the full record, “proper cooling methods used” is the recurring theme, flagged 11 times.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
26
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 24, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE USE ITEMS STORED IN INTERIOR OF CABINET UNDERNEATH HANDWASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SINGLE USE ITEMS FROM INTERIOR OF CABINET UNDERNEATH HANDWASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF SINGLE USE ITEMS DURING STORAGE.
45
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FAUCET OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINKING LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON INTERIOR OF VENT ABOVE BREAD OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF VENT ABOVE BREAD OVEN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: AT TIME OF INSPECTION PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED FOR ANY FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: AT TIME OF INSPECTION NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING PROVIDED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATES.
58
78
Dec 31, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET MOP STORED IN UTILITY AREA. MUST HANG MOPS TO ALLOW TO DRY WHEN NOT IN USE.
55
95
Mar 7, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD FOR WALK-IN COOLER LIGHT BULB.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
90
Aug 4, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 20, 2022
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2561214 ISSUED ON 07-25-2022 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) #54 - OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF GARBAGE OVERFLOWING AND LITTER ON THE GROUND SURROUNDING THE GARBAGE DUMPSTERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE GARBAGE AREA AT ALL TIMES. DUMPTER COMPANY ARRIVED ON SITE TO PICK UP THE GARBAGE WHILE I WAS FINISHING MY REPORT.
59
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 EMPLOYEE WORKING WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES
57
86
Jul 25, 2022
Routine
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF GARBAGE OVERFLOWING AND LITTER ON THE GROUND SURROUNDING THE GARBAGE DUMPSTERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE GARBAGE AREA AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B).
54
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2501154 DATED 5/4/2021. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED
61
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO KIT ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN KIT CONTAINING ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
5
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 EMPLOYEE WORKING WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES
57
70
May 4, 2021
Routine
No violations found.
100
Dec 3, 2020
License
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
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
Food obtained from approved source
11
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXCESSIVE RUST ACCUMULATION FROM THE TOP OF THE GREASE TRAP, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
52
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVED COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR 3-COMP SINK IN DISH AREA, SINK SLIGHTLY DETACHED FROM WALL, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
74
Feb 5, 2020
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND NO SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HANDWASHING SINK AND 1-COMP SINK IN REAR PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND LOOSE AND DEIRD FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF REACH IN COOLERS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND LEAKY FAUCET BASE ON 1-COMP SINK IN REAR PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND SWING DOOR AT FRONT PREP AREA DAMAGED AND HANGING OFF HINGE, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Sep 24, 2019
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE COLD-HOLD PREP COOLERS LOCATED BEHIND THE FRONT SERVICE LINE: TURKEY DELI MEAT (52F), CHICKEN PATTY (50F), AND CHOPPED STEAK (50.5F). MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 10 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $25.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY EQUIPMENT FOR COLD HOLDING IN DISREPAIR. NOTED TWO COLD-HOLD PREP COOLERS LOCATED BEHIND THE FRONT SERVICE LINE TO BE AT IMPROPER AT 53F AND 55F. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE FOR PROPER COLD HOLDING OF 41 DEGREES F OR BELOW. UNITS TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FRONT SERVICE PREP AREA NOT MAINTAINED DUE TO NOZZLE MISSING FROM FAUCET TO PROPERLY OPERATE THE HOT/COLD WATER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER MUST BE PROVIDED AND THAT HOT WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE AT LEAST 100F. MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER BETWEEN 100-120F AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS AND REPLACE NOZZLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NOZZLE MISSING FROM FROM EXPOSED HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALLS SURROUNDING MOP SINK IN IN DISREPAIR WITH WALL PANEL AND JUNCTURE APART FROM THE WALL AT THE BASE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
55
58
Sep 20, 2018
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14, NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11. NO VOMIT/ DIARRHEA CLEANUP PROCEDURE ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
5
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0387 NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE FOR ALL CERTIFIED MGRS.
58
86
May 3, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DUST BUILD UP NOTED ON FAN COVERS OF WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MISSING A LIGHT SHIELD AT FRONT PREP COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
36
90
Oct 6, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 FOOD HANDLERS (2 FEMALES) WITHOUT FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
45
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SLOT WITH A SLITE BROWN SUBSTANCE LOCATED BY THE DRINK FOUNTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS LOCATED UNDER THE SHELVES IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
Sep 19, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SLOT WITH A SLITE BROWN SUBSTANCE LOCATED BY THE DRINK FOUNTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS LOCATED UNDER THE SHELVES IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 FOOD HANDLERS (2 FEMALES) WITHOUT FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
45
86
Jan 30, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SLITE BROWNISH SUBSTANCE LOCATED ON THE ICE SLOT OF THE DRINK DISPENSOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS WITH MINOR DIRT DEBRIS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET ON THE WASHROOM WASHBOWL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS LOCATED IN THE FRONT PREP COOLERS ACROSS FROM THE SANDWICH STATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
82
Nov 16, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: reach in cooler shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Pop dispensing unit in rear kitchen area not clean, needs detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors in rear kitchen area under shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ceiling tiles, and exhaust vents(ventilation) in rear kitchen area by walk in cooler not clean, need detailed cleaning.
35
86
Apr 19, 2016
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Above violation still remaining( Cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced).
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Above violation still remaining( Damaged/broken floor tiles in rear kitchen shall be repaired/replaced).
34
90
Apr 11, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: Found, observed garbage dumpster overflowing with garbage, Citation issued 7-38-020 Serious violation.
19
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced. Caulk around 3 compartment sink, and exposed hand sink in rear kitchen area in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices), cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Prep tables lower shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners), floors in rear kitchen areas under shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners). Damaged/broken floor tiles in rear kitchen shall be repaired/replaced.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Damaged wall that had gaps in rear kitchen area by mop sink, shall be repaired/sealed.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exposed hand sink faucet leaking, shall be repaired/replaced.
38
74
Mar 26, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: R STORAGE CABINET SHELVES UNDER BEVERAGE STATION IN DINING ROOM NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN REAR PREP OFDEBRIS AND DRIED FOOD LIQUIDS.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
35
90
Oct 7, 2014
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: KNIVES ARE WEDGED BETWEEN PREP TABLES AT FRONT SERVICE LINE, INSTRUCTED MGR TO STORE ON A CLEAN SURFACE.
31
95
Jun 5, 2014
Routine
No violations found.
100
Dec 2, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEFT DOOR OF CABINET UNDER THE SODA DISPENSING MACHINE. FOUND NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. WHEN DOOR IS OPENED IT FALLS OFF.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR BOTTOM SHELF OF THE CABINET UNDER THE SODA DISPENSING MACHINE TO REMOVE SODA SYRUP STAINS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE FLOOR DRAINS IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA.
34
86
Jan 18, 2013
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ICE DISPENSER AT THE SOFT DRINKS FOUNTAIN NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINAIN.
33
95
Mar 12, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE CABINET UNDER THE SODA MACHINE IN THE DINING AREA.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST FIX THE LEAK AT THE PIPE UNDER THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT ON THE 3-COMP. SINK.
38
90
May 9, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 5, 2011
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
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. 3COMP SINK NOT DRAINING PROPERLY, WASTE WATER BACKING UP INTO VEGETABLE SINK, SLOW DRAINAGE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
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. LEAKY PIPE UNDER FRONT HAND WASH SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Subway 51581 last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Subway 51581 on file is from Dec 24, 2025. The public record contains 26 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Subway 51581?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at Subway 51581.
Has Subway 51581's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Subway 51581 have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Subway 51581 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 Subway 51581 inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Subway 51581 is inspected around two times per year on average.
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