Sweet Bean
Last inspected: May 20, 2025
74
Score
Going back to 2021, Sweet Bean has eight inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from May 20, 2025. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around seven violations per visit versus roughly four violations earlier in the record.
The pattern that stands out is “contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display”, which has been cited five times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 20, 2025
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
May 6, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE BUILD UP ON INSIDE INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE AND DRIPPING ONTO ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST REMOVE BUILD UP, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
16
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: FOUND READY TO EAT TCS FOODS SUCH AS COOKED PORK, COOKED CHICKEN, COOKED SWEET POTATOES, ETC IN REFRIGERATOR NOT DATE MARKED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD FOR 24 HOURS MUST BE PROPERLY DATE MARKED WITH THE DATE THE FOOD WILL BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
23
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DUST BUILT UP IN THE VENTS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND THE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
58
May 23, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Observed dish washer washing utensils at 3-comp sink without using sanitizer only washing with soap, sanitize compartment is empty. Instructed manager to wash, rinse and sanitize multi-use utensils properly. Priority violation 7-38-025.
16
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: No certified food service manager on site while handling and serving TCS foods ( chicken, milk, eggs...) instructed to obtain Priority foundation violation 7-38-012.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: Obstructed hand wash sink in main prep kitchen, utensils/trays placed in sink, Instructed to keep hand sink free from any obstruction. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)
10
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
1
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: Open employees drinks above food prep tables, instructed to keep away.
6
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Bulk food containers not labeled ( salt, sugar...) instructed to label and maintain.
37
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: No sink stoppers for 3-comp sink to hold water. Instructed to obtain for proper wash, rinse and sanitize.
48
58
Aug 1, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19 OBSERVED A TOWEL BEING USED TO LINE THE INTERIOR OF THE 3 DOOR REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TOWEL, ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED A PLASTIC WRAP AROUND THE PIPE THAT GOES INTO THE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE 2 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PLASTIC, ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE OR PROVIDE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCED TO ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES.
55
86
Jul 25, 2022
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-307.11 OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL UTENSILS ARE STORED AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
39
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRAIN HOLES IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN INADEQUATE CONDITION. SIZE OF DRAIN HOLES MUST BE ADJUSTED.
51
90
Jul 20, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WASTE WATER BEING INADEQUATELY DISPOSED AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. WHEN WATER IS DRAINED IN ONE COMPARTMENT ANOTHER COMPARTMENT FLOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
52
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE ON MENU. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 25 SMALL FLIES IN KITCHEN AREA NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 10 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE AREAS ACCORDINGLY. PEST CONTROL SERVICE RECOMMENDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A).
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL UTENSILS ARE STORED AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN ICE MACHINE.
49
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION ON SITE UPON ARRIVAL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS.
58
61
Nov 3, 2021
Complaint
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS WERE PREPARED AND SERVED AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED AT FACILITY 30 MINUTES AFTER INSPECTION STARTED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH A CURRENT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS (EGGS, SANDWICHES, MILK) ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND/OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LABELS FOR BULK SUGAR STORAGE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXES OF FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BREAD, LEAFY GREENS, VEGETABLES STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND 1-DOOR FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SLOW DRAINING OF WATER AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS IN THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
58
61
Jun 11, 2021
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sweet Bean last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Sweet Bean on file is from May 20, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Sweet Bean?
Across the inspection record, “contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Sweet Bean.
Has Sweet Bean's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Sweet Bean have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Sweet Bean means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Sweet Bean inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Sweet Bean is inspected around two times per year on average.
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