The Bongo Room
Last inspected: Feb 4, 2025
86
Score
Across the available record, The Bongo Room has 20 inspections on file, the first dated 2011. On Feb 4, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around two violations lately and about seven violations before that.
“Proper cooling methods used” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing seven times across the record.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 4, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE WITH CALCIUM BUILD UP ON INTERIOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUPS WITH HEAVY RUSTED AND OLD CUTTING BOARDS IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD ANY UNUSED AN UNNECESSARY ITEMS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT.
58
86
Feb 9, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA WITH DEEP SCRATCHES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE CUTTING.
47
95
Jan 13, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OLD SOUR CREAM CONTAINERS BEING USED TO STORE DELI MEATS AND OTHER INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY REUSABLE, FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINERS.
39
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
90
Jun 24, 2020
Routine
2 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS ITEMS BEING HELD AT THE LISTED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN A PREP COOLER LOCATED ON THE MAINLINE IN REAR KITCHEN PREP AREA: CAESAR DRESSING AT 49.9F, CILANTRO MAYO AT 52.6F, PRE-CRACKED EGGS AT 53.4F, BEEF AT 49.1F, COOKED CHICKEN AT 53.6F, AND POTATO SALAD AT 51.1F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROXIMATELY 5 LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $100. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOODS AT OR BELOW 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.NO CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A PREP COOLER ON THE MAIN LINE IN THE REAR KITCHEN PREP AREA CONTAINING TCS FOODS SUCH AS CAESAR DRESSING AND EGGS MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 49.8F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR COOLER SO THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF MAINTAINING AN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AT OR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
33
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER. REPEAT CORE VIOLATION
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNSEALED WOOD STAIRS LEADING DOWN INTO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALL CUTTING BOARDS IN REAR KITCHEN PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENT DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT THE ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT AND COFFEE MACHINES IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN. REPEAT CORE VIOLATION.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BROKEN, UNUSED BLACK FREEZER BEING STORED IN THE BAR NEAR THE EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AS A FUNCTIONAL FREEZER OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
55
58
Apr 3, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, MASKS,DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH PROCEDURE INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET NO LOGS RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORE ON TOP OF PREP TABLES IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING STOPPERS AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVING IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT OR REPLACE SHELVING.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENT DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT THE ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT AND COFFEE MACHINES IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE WITH OUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
50
Aug 14, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE. OBSERVED CUT POTATOES STORED IN BUCKETS THAT WERE MARKED AND PREVIOUSLY USED TO STORE DISH DETERGENT AND SANITIZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO ONLY STORE FOOD IN FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINERS. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED 50# OF POTATOES WORTH APPROXIMATELY $17. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
16
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WET WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER BUCKET WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
90
Nov 9, 2016
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO DOOR HANDLE AT USED STOVE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,IN THE PREP AREA
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE BROKEN STOPPERS AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK ,IN DISH ROOM.PROVIDE STOPPERS AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN BAR AREA
38
90
Nov 1, 2016
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES.OBSERVED A WAITER/BUS BOY REMOVING DIRTY DISHES FROM TABLE,THAN WITHOUT HAND WASHING FILLED UP GLASS WATER,PICKED UP CLEAN UTENSILS, NAPKIN AND SET UP CUSTOMERS TABLE.MANAGER ON DUTY,EXPLAINED HAND WASHING PROCEDURE HOWEVER HE CONTINUE TO SET UP. AFTER WHILE HE FINALLY WASHED HIS HANDS. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-010(A)
6
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: REAR DOOR OF THE BASEMENT HAS GAP OF 1/2" TO 1". BASEMENT IS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE,ALSO ICE MACHINE,COOLER AND FREEZERS ARE STORED AT SAID BASEMENT. NEED TO RODENT/INSECT PROOF SAID DOOR. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
18
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 3-18-16,REPORT #1734382 #34-DEBRIS AND GRIMES ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREP,BAR AND DISH ROOM AREAS.DETAIL CLEAN ALONG BASEBOED WALLS,UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND CORNERS. BASEBOARD/COVING IS NEEDED UNDER THE BAR COUNTER SERIOUS VOLATION:7-42-090
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: WASTE WATER PIPE ABOVE THE DISPLAY COOLER(UNIT IS TURNED ON) AT REAR AREA OF THE BASEMENT MUST BE ENCASED OR RELOCATE SAID COOLER. FOUND KNIVES STORED UNDER THE MEAT SLICER IN PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE KNIVES RACK.NO DOOR HANDLE AT USED STOVE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. OBSERVED A METAL TABLE, A CAN OPENER INSTALLED AT TABLE,ON TOP THE SAME TABLE CLEAN POTS(REAR AREA OF THE BASEMENT BY THE REAR DOOR).INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL MENTIONED ITEMS OR PROVIDE AN EXPOSED HAND SINK INSTALLED UNDER CITY PLUMBING CODE,IF THE MENTIONED AREA IS USED FOR PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: GREASE AND DUST BUILD-UP ON PIPES AND FIRE EXTINGUISHER BY THE HOOD.NEED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: GREASE AND DUST ON WALL AND CEILING BY THE SOUTH END OF THE HOOD, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. BROKEN METAL WALL BY THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK(NEAR THE REAR DOOR)INSTRUCTED TO RESEAL. EXCESS SPILLAGE ON CEILING AT DISHROOM,NEED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.GREASE AND DUST ON CEILING VENT AT DISH ROOM NEED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE BROKEN STOPPERS AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK ,IN DISH ROOM.PROVIDE STOPPERS AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN BAR AREA. LEAKING PIPE IN BASEMENT BY THE LIQUOR CAGE,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR(WATER ON FLOOR)
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THERMOMETER IS NEED INSIDE THE COOLER BY THE REAR DOOR IN PREP AREA
40
67
Apr 5, 2016
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE:A BUCKET OF FRESH SCRAMBLED EGGS AT TEMP OF 50.5F,AND SLICED COOKED CHICKEN AT TEMP OF 51.5F,BOTH PRODUCTS STORED ON TOP PREP TABLE.COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 40F AND BELOW.FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED.POUNDS 15,VALUE 10 CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
3
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE NOT WASHING HANDS NOR CHANGING GLOVES AFTER POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. OBSERVED ONE FEMALE BARTENDER EMPLOYEE TAKING ORDERS,HANDLING CASH THEN MAKING A BLOOD MARY DRINK, REMOVED PAPER FROM A STRAW AND PLACED INSIDE THE DRINK,ALSO WITH BARE HAND OPENED THE DOOR OF THE COOLER AND GRABBED FRESH FRUIT ON STICK ALREADY MADE AND PLACED ON TOP THE DRINK,SERVED THAT DRINKS AND CAME BACK AT BAR AND WITH BARE HAND GRABBED A SLICE OF LEMONS AND SERVED TO CUSTOMER. NO HAND WASHING,NO MULTI USE UTENSILS USED. IN THE KITCHEN OBSERVED EMPLOYEE TOUCHING NON-FOOD SURFACE SUCH AS:USED PLASTIC CONTAINERS,WIPING PREP AREAS,MEAT SLICER,REMOVE GARBAGE CONTAINERS FROM KITCHEN TO OUTSIDE AREA AND CONSTANTLY OPEN AND CLOSE REAR DOOR DUE TO WALK-IN COOLER IS INSTALLED OUTSIDE,THEN GOING BACK TO PREP AREA SLICED TOMATOES,AND HELPING IN FOOD PREPARATION. NO GLOVES REMOVED NOR HAND WASHING DONE. EMPLOYEE AT DISH ROOM HANDLING DIRTY DISHES AND AFTER JUST RINSING HANDS WITH WATER SPRAYER HANDLED THE CLEAN DISHES. AFTER EXPLAINING THE HAND WASHING PROCEDURE TO THE CERTIFIED IN SANITATION CHEF,PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-010(A)
6
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: NO SANITIZING SOLUTION PROVIDED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,EMPLOYEE WASHED RISEND AND PUT THE CLEAN POTS AND PANS AT THIRD COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT SANITIZER,0ppm;PERSONALLY ADD SANITIZER(BLEACH) TO THE THIRD COMPARTMENT PRESENTLY SANITIZER SOLUTION AT 100ppm MUST USE SANITIZING SOLUTION AT THRIRD COMPARTMENT SINK AT ALL TIMES,AT 100ppm. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030
8
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DEBRIS AND GRIMES ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREP,BAR AND DISH ROOM AREAS.DETAIL CLEAN ALONG BASEBOED WALLS,UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND CORNERS. BASEBOARD/COVING IS NEEDED UNDER THE BAR COUNTER
34
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: A RUBBER FLOOR MAT COVERS MISSING FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF FLAT GRILL,IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE
34
78
Mar 28, 2016
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DEBRIS AND GRIMES ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREP,BAR AND DISH ROOM AREAS.DETAIL CLEAN ALONG BASEBOED WALLS,UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND CORNERS. BASEBOARD/COVING IS NEEDED UNDER THE BAR COUNTER
34
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: A RUBBER FLOOR MAT COVERS MISSING FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF FLAT GRILL,IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: BROKEN WALLS UNDER THE BAR AREA AND BEHIND THE IN BOX PIPES OR WRAP SAID PIPES. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.
35
86
Mar 18, 2016
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: 3POUNDS OF COOKED SAUSAGE PATTIES STORED INSIDE THE OFF OVEN AT TEMP OF 95.6F TO 100.1F; 7 POUDS OF COOKED CHORIZO STORED ON TOP THE SHELF ABOVE THE FLAT GRILL AT TEMP OF 126.6F TO 127F. HOT FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 140F AND ABOVE. BOTH PRODUCTS DISCARDED AND DENATURED.POUNDS 7,VALUE 42 CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
3
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE IN BASEMENT AREA. FOUND WASTE WATER PIPES ABOVE THE LONG REACH-IN COOLER WITH FOOD IN IT AND ABOVE LIQUOR BOTTLES INSIDE THE LIQUOR ROOM. RAW WOOD ABOVE THE ICE MACHINE WITH POROUS MATERIALS,RELEASING DEBRIS ON TOP THE UNIT AND INSIDE THE ICE SCOOP CONTAINER. IN BOX PIPES OR WRAP SAID PIPES. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE. PROVIDE CEILING ABOVE THE ICE MACHINE,SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE,OR RELOCATE UNIT. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-005(A
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: WE(MANAGER AND I)OBSERVED 10 RAT DROPPINGS BEHIND/BY THE ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT AREA.ALSO OBSERVED A BURROW HOLE ON FLOOR BY THE JUICE BOXES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN SANITIZE AREA AND SEAL HOLE. ALSO THE AREA WHERE DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED IS CLUTTERED,TOO MANY ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR,ELEVATE 6" OFF THE FLOOR ITEMS NEEDED. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: GREASE/DEBRIS BUILD-UP INSIDE THE OVEN BY THE SERVING COUNTER,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. GRIMES ON FLOOR WATER PIPES UNDER THE COUNTER TOP AT BAR AREA,NEED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DEBRIS AND GRIMES ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREP,BAR AND DISH ROOM AREAS.DETAIL CLEAN ALONG BASEBOED WALLS,UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND CORNERS. BASEBOARD/COVING IS NEEDED UNDER THE BAR COUNTER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: BROKEN WALLS UNDER THE BAR AREA AND BEHIND THE EXPOSED HAND SINK. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR LEAKING DRAIN PIPE UNDER THE EXPOSED HAND SINK PREP/DISH ROOM.
38
70
Jun 3, 2015
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: BASEMENT REACH IN PREP COOLER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN WALK IN COOLER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: AIR VENTS IN WALK IN COOLER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
86
May 28, 2015
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, properly designed and installed
Inspector notes: CUSTOMER HANDBOWL WITH NO HOT WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN HOT WATER IN WASHROOMS AT ALL TIMES. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST WASH HANDS AT HANDSINKS PRIOR TO RETURNING TO WORK. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
26
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT BAR AREA IN NEED OF NEW CUTTING BOARD. WORN, DISCOLORED. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: BASEMENT REACH IN PREP COOLER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN WALK IN COOLER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: AIR VENTS IN WALK IN COOLER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
78
May 26, 2015
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FOUND FRONT PREP REACH IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 50.9 DEGRESS AIR TEMP. COOLER MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL CORRECTED. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS WERE FOUND IN THE REACH IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. CUT CHICKEN 51.2 DEGREES 5LBS, SAUSAGES 51.9 DEGREES 5LBS, EGGS 10 DOZ 51.2 DEGREES, FETA CHEESE 50.5 DEGREES 5LBS, EGG WHITES 49.4 DEGREES 10 LBS. ETC... ALL FOOD PRODUCTS BEING DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. TOTAL VALUE 60 POUNDS $200.00 CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
3
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE NOT POSTED NOR IS THERE ANYONE ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT SOMEONE WITH SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS ARE BEING COOKED, PREP OR SERVED. IE... EGGS, POTATOES, PORK SAUSAGE, ETC.. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, properly designed and installed
Inspector notes: CUSTOMER HANDBOWL WITH NO HOT WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN HOT WATER IN WASHROOMS AT ALL TIMES. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST WASH HANDS AT HANDSINKS PRIOR TO RETURNING TO WORK. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
26
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT BAR AREA IN NEED OF NEW CUTTING BOARD. WORN, DISCOLORED. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: BASEMENT REACH IN PREP COOLER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN WALK IN COOLER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: AIR VENTS IN WALK IN COOLER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
67
Nov 25, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, COOLERS, PREP TABLES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS IN PREP AREA. REPAIR FLOOR IN DISHWASHING AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN CEILING VENT IN DISH WASHING AREA.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
82
May 1, 2014
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN DISH WASHING AREA. REMOVE EXCESS WATER OFF FLOOR IN BASEMENT
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL OPENINGS IN WALLS AND ALONG BASEBOARDS IN DISH WASHING AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN REAR PREP, DISH WASHING, BASEMENT FOOD AND UTENSIL STORAGE AREAS.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER, PREP, AND STORAGE AREAS.
41
82
Apr 24, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED PER MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO FROM REPORT #1277818 ON 5-2-14. 38-SINK STOPPERS NOT FITTING DRAIN AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WORN STOPPERS. CONDENSATION LINE IN BASEMENT LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO PREVENT LEAK. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
29
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN DISH WASHING AREA. REMOVE EXCESS WATER OFF FLOOR IN BASEMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL OPENINGS IN WALLS AND ALONG BASEMBOARDS IN DISH WASHING AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN REAR PREP, DISH WASHING, BASEMENT FOOD AND UTENSIL STORAGE AREAS.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER, PREP, AND STORAGE AREAS.
41
74
May 2, 2013
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Can opener attached to prep table not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize daily.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Sink stoppers not fitting drain at three compartment sink. Instructed to replace worn stoppers. Condensation line in basement leaking. Instructed to repair to prevent leak.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Thermometer not provided inside prep coolers. Instructed to provided thermometer conspicuous inside cooler.
40
86
Apr 24, 2013
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: Dish washing facilities not maintained or operated. While draining water at three compartment sink, water(clear) coming up from floor drain air gap.Instructed to detail clean grease trap and drainlines to prevent inadequate disposal of drain water. Serious citation issued 7-38-030.
24
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Bulk storage containers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Multi use utensil not properly stored. Instructed to invert utensil (plates) and cover or wrap silverware on table to prevent contamination before use.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exhaust hood filters, can opener attached to prep table and cooking equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize daily.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Light not provided inside utility closet. Instructed to provide light bulb.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Sink stoppers not fitting drain at three compartment sink. Instructed to replace worn stoppers. Condensation line in basement leaking. Instructed to repair to prevent leak.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Thermometer not provided inside prep coolers. Instructed to provided thermometer conspicuous inside cooler.
40
70
Jul 22, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS IN FOOD PREP AREA
32
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. MUST REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH AREA
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS, CONSPICUOUSLY
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. MUST REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT FROM PREMISES
41
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Bongo Room last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Bongo Room on file is from Feb 4, 2025. The public record contains 20 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Bongo Room?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at The Bongo Room.
Has The Bongo Room's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at The Bongo Room have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Bongo Room 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 The Bongo Room inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Bongo Room is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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