The Bunker
Last inspected: Jul 3, 2025
74
Score
The Bunker appears in inspection records seven times, starting in 2020. The latest inspection on file is from Jul 3, 2025. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around three violations to closer to eight violations.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, showing up four times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 3, 2025
Reinspection
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: 8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2619715 ON 6/26/25 WAS NOT CORRECTED: 38 - OBSERVED APPROX. 50 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS AROUND THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND HAND WASHING SINK IN THE BAR AREA, IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA ON THE CEILING, ON THE SHELVES AND WALLS OF THE COFFEE PREP AREA, AND ON THE WALLS IN THE STORAGE ROOM WITH THE MOP SINK. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
59
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE BEHIND THE BAR AND THE BUS TRAY INSIDE OF THE MACHINE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 CLEAN THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH DUST AND GREASE BUILDUP.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 SCRAPE AND REPAINT ANY AREAS OF CHIPPED PAINT ON THE CEILING AND DUCTWORK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
74
Jun 26, 2025
Complaint
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 1-DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED CHICKEN AT 44-54F, SALAD DRESSINGS AT 47F, FISH AT 46F, CHEESE AT 44-51F, HAM AND TURKEY DELI MEAT AT 46F, AND SHRIMP AT 46F. ALSO OBSERVED COOKED POTATOES AT 56F AND COOKED PEPPERS AND ONIONS AT 54F STORED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA ON TOP OF A PREP TABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUSTOMERS SITTING IN THE DINING AREA WITH THEIR PET DOGS AND STANDING IN LINE WAITING TO ORDER WITH THEIR PET DOGS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ONLY SERVICE ANIMALS ARE ALLOWED INSIDE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-40-060. CITATION ISSUED.
38
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SHELLFISH TAGS PROVIDED IN THE CONTAINER OF LIVE OYSTERS STORED IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE THE SHELLFISH TAGS WITH THE PRODUCT AND KEEP THEM FOR 90 DAYS AFTER THE LAST OYSTER IS SERVED FROM THE BATCH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
14
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS (CEVICHE). MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE AND DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THAT ITEM TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT:"THESE FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
25
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM 3/10/25 WAS NOT POSTED IN THE PUBLIC VIEW. PREMISES HAD AN INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED FROM 2024. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN THE PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROX. 50 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS AROUND THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND HAND WASHING SINK IN THE BAR AREA, IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA ON THE CEILING AND ON THE WALLS IN THE STORAGE ROOM WITH THE MOP SINK. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE BEHIND THE BAR AND THE BUS TRAY INSIDE OF THE MACHINE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH DUST AND GREASE BUILDUP.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: SCRAPE AND REPAINT ANY AREAS OF CHIPPED PAINT ON THE CEILING AND DUCTWORK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
43
Mar 10, 2025
Complaint
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: NOTED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. THE SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNIT UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (CDPH). TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDSINK IN FRONT OF THE COFFEE PREP AREA AND BASEMENT BAR PREP AREA NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED HAND SOAP FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS IN FRONT OF THE COFFEE HAND SINK OR AT THE HAND SINK IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWELS FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). SEE ABOVE.
10
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED, AND SERVED, SUCH AS CHICKEN SANDWICH, HAMBURGERS, FRENCH FRIES, ETC., MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH A VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
1
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP, AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHES ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN.
41
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
52
Jun 10, 2024
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2-402.11 OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD-HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE PREPARING FOOD.
40
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.
58
90
May 20, 2024
Complaint
3 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY EQUIPMENT FOR COLD HOLDING IN DISREPAIR. NOTED 2-DOOR KITCHEN REFRIGERATOR TO BE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE AT 50.1F. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE FOR PROPER COLD HOLDING OF 41 DEGREES F OR BELOW. TAGGED UNIT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CONTACT CDPH FOR TAG REMOVAL BEFORE USE. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: NOTED LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. THE SANITIZING STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNIT UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (CDPH). TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE KITCHEN 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 10 LBS OF CHICKEN AT 50.4F, 3 LBS OF COOKED BEANS AT 50.5F, AND 2 LBS OF PORK AT 51.3. THE MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL OF 15LBS AT $300. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
22
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE REACH-IN COOLERS AND DISPLAY COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT PROPERLY.
36
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD-HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE PREPARING FOOD.
40
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 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.
58
52
Jun 30, 2020
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
95
Jun 9, 2020
License
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: THE WALK IN COOLER ON PREMSIES WAS NOT CONNECTED TO OBTAIN AN ADEQUATE TEMPERATURE; MUST HAVE UNIT CONNECTED AND OPERATING. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
33
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND BOTH DISHMACHINES ON PREMISES (PREP AREA AND BAR) NOT CONNECTED AND SET UP AS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN CHEMICAL READINGS; MUST PROPERLY CONNECT MACHINES TO WATER LINES AND WITH CHEMICALS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
51
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON PREMISES WITH THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS NEEDED INSIDE FROM A LICENSED COMPANY; MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C).
38
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Bunker last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Bunker on file is from Jul 3, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Bunker?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at The Bunker.
Has The Bunker's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at The Bunker have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at The Bunker 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 The Bunker inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Bunker is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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