The Black Barrel Tavern
Last inspected: Oct 27, 2023
95
Score
The Black Barrel Tavern has been inspected six times since 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Oct 27, 2023. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well. The Black Barrel Tavern's record stops at Oct 27, 2023, more than two years back, so current conditions may differ.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near five violations per visit across recent inspections.
Looking across the full record, “adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” is the recurring theme, flagged eight times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting The Black Barrel Tavern on the better side of that line. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 27, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11: OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKETS ON THE PREP-LINE REACH IN COOLER ACROSS THE STOVE TOP AREA MAKING WHICH DOESN'T ALLOW PREP-LINE COOLER DOORS CLOSE PROPERLY. FACILITY MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
95
Oct 20, 2023
Routine
3 critical violations. 6 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: REACH IN PREP-LINE COOLER ACROSS THE STOVE TOP AREA IS AT IMPROPER AMBIENT AIR TEMPERAURE MEASURED AT 50F. ALL TCS FOODS IN THE UNIT HAVE BEEN DISCARDED WHILE ON SITE (SEE ABOVE VIOLATION #22). UNIT HAS BEEN TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. FACILITY MUST CONTACT CDPHFOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG TO HAVE STICKER REMOVED BY INSPECTOR IF HELD AT PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: MEASURED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING FOODS FOUND IN THE REACH IN PREP-LINE COOLER ACROSS THE STOVE TOP AREA; 3LBS OF RAW CHICKEN MEASURED AT 49.7F, 5LBS OF BEEF MEASURED AT 55.4F, 2LB OF VARIOUS CHEESE MEASURED AT 54.3F, 2LBS OF TOMATO SAUCE MEASURED AT 52.1F, 1LB OF DELI MEAT MEASURED AT 48.5F. APPROXIMATELY 19LBS OF FOOD WAS DISCARDED AT A TOTAL APPROXIMATE COST OF $36. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED QUAT SANITIZER MEASURED AT 0PPM AT 3COMPARTMENT SINK. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE QUAT SANITIZER AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
16
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: HAND SOAP NOT PROVIDED AT COOKLINE HAND SINK. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (c) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWELS NOT PROVIDED AT COOKLINE HAND SINK. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE. SEE ABOVE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (c) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: AN IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR/TEST STRIPS IS NOT PROVIDED AND READILY ACCESSIBLE FOR MEASURING THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE FOR THE HOT TEMPERATURE DISHWASHER. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER TEMPERATURE-SENSATIVE THERMOMETER/TEST STRIPS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
48
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTDOOR DUMPSTERED OVERFILLED WITH LIDS NOT CLOSED AND SECURED PROPERLY. FACILITY MUST ENSURE THAT OUTDOOR DUMPSTERS ARE NOT OVER FILLED AND LIDS ARE SEALED CLOSED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (B) CITATION ISSUED.
54
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOTNOTE) ON THE ONLINE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (BEEF & EGG ITEMS). INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR PUBLIC VIEW AND ADD A DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOTNOTE) THAT REFERS TO THE REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FACILITY DOES NOT HAVE A POLICY/KIT FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO DISCHARGE OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENTS. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR SIDE EXIT DOOR HAS OPEN GAPS ON THE BOTTOM WHICH ALLOWS FOR PESTS/INSECTS TO ENTER. EXTERIOR DOORS SHALL BE: SELF-CLOSING, SOLID AND TIGHT FITTING, AND LIMITED TO DESIGNATED USE.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: BOXES OF FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. FACILITY MUST ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: CLEAN DISHWARE (CUPS) STORED NEAR BAR DISH MACHINE HAVE NOT BEEN AIR DRIED PROPERLY AFTER SANITIZING. AFTER CLEANING AND SANITZING ALL EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS SHALL BE AIR DRIED BEFORE USE. CLOTH DRYING OF EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IS NOT APPROVED.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKETS ON THE PREP-LINE REACH IN COOLER ACROSS THE STOVE TOP AREA MAKING WHICH DOESN'T ALLOW PREP-LINE COOLER DOORS CLOSE PROPERLY. FACILITY MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION NOT PROVIDED ON SITE. ALL CITY/PENDING CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION AND PROVIDE ON SITE.
58
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHILDRENS MENU ONLINE AND IN PERSON DOES NOT HAVE HEALTHY DRINK ALTERNATIVES LISTED.
64
26
May 13, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 5, 2022
Complaint
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN CENTRAL MAIN BAR MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER CHEMICAL SANITIZER READING OF 0PPM OF CHLORINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR MACHINE SO THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF DELVIERING CHEMICAL SANITIZER AT LEVELS BETWEEN 50-100PPM OF CHLORINE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS IN ALL 3 BARS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS LOCATED IN BAR NEAR ENTRANCE AND REAR BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
10
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR MEASURING UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2546471 DATED 1/13/2022. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS LOCATED IN FRONT BAR NEAR ENTRANCE AND REAR BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR AT LEAST 6 INCHES TO ALLOW FOR CLEANING AND REMOVE FROM PREMISES ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS.
55
52
Jan 13, 2022
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS IN BARS, SERVER AREA, PREP AREA, AND 1ST FLOOR TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLES INSIDE WOMEN'S, FAMILY, AND EMPLOYEE BATHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
90
Jan 11, 2022
License
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND SINK IN SERVER AREA MAINTAINING IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 66.5F. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS BETWEEN 100-120F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
36
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLES INSIDE WOMEN'S, FAMILY, AND EMPLOYEE BATHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS IN BARS, SERVER AREA, PREP AREA, AND 1ST FLOOR TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOTH FAUCETS LOOSE AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Black Barrel Tavern last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Black Barrel Tavern on file is from Oct 27, 2023. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Black Barrel Tavern?
Across the inspection record, “adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at The Black Barrel Tavern.
Has The Black Barrel Tavern's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Black Barrel Tavern have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Black Barrel Tavern means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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