The Cliff Dwellers
Last inspected: Dec 3, 2025
90
Score
Inspectors have visited The Cliff Dwellers 18 times, with records going back to 2010. On Dec 3, 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 turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near three violations per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean”, showing up seven times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so The Cliff Dwellers is doing better than most peers. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 3, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR OF THE COOLERS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN .
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR LEAK AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
90
Aug 8, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: THE EXTERIOR/INTERIOR OF THE OVENS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH CHARRED FOOD, GREASE AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN OVENS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: TOILET CLOSEST TO THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM NEEDS TO BE RECAULKED. INSTRUCTED TO RECAULK AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MOP IN STORAGE ROOM NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE HANGING UP FOR PROPER AIR DRYING. MAINTAIN SAME.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
58
82
May 1, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.13 OBSERVED MINOR DIRT DEBRIS UNDER THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
55
95
Apr 1, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 29, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK WATER TEMPERATURE RANGE FROM 93F - 91F LOCATED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: MEN AND WOMEN'S WASHROOM, FOOD PREPARATION/DISH AREA SINK. MUST PROVIDE A MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F.ALSO NOTED 3 COMP SINK WATER TEMPERATURE AT 80F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAINTAIN A 3 COMP SINK WATER TEMPERATURE OF 110F. HOT WATER GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS SHALL BE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE PEAK HOT WATER DEMANDS THROUGHOUT THE RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
50
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE INFORMING EMPLOYEES OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT TO THE PERSON IN CHARGE INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES AS THEY RELATE TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP A EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINKS LOCATED IN THE MEN AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO ENSURE THAT HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IS POSTED AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE ESTABLISHMENT.
10
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TABLEWARE SUCH AS KNIVES, SPOONS, AND FORKS SITTING OUT UNCOVERED ON TABLES THROUGHOUT THE DINING ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP TABLEWARE COVERED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
44
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION ON-SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO ENSURE THAT ANY CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE HOLDER COMPLETES ALLERGEN TRAINING AND RECEIVES THE ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION AND REMAINS ON THE PREMISES AT ALL TIMES.
58
67
Dec 6, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF THE VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE AND KIT ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A KIT WITH ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS AND PROCEDURE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER DATE MARKING SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED ALL TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS TO BE DATE LABELED WITH THE DISCARD DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY UNDERCOOKED ITEMS ON THE MENU SUCH AS STEAKS AND HAMBURGERS NOT MARKED WITH DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO MARK ALL ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED WITH DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASH SIGNAGE AT HAND WASH SINK IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN GASKET ON TALL STANDING PREP COOLER IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
58
58
Feb 14, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR AROUND DISH MACHINE NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: BROKEN WALL TILE IN PREP AREA BY DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
35
90
May 15, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE EXTERIOR OF THE GREASE TRAP UNDERNEATH THE DISH MACHINE AND THE EXTERIOR OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT HAS FOOD, DIRT, DUST AND OIL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE FLOORS UNDER/AROUND THE DISH MACHINE, COOKING EQUIPMENT, 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND COOLERS HAVE THICK DIRT, FOOD AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE CEILING TILES ABOVE THE COOKING FOOD PREPARATION AREA HAS FOOD SPLATTER AND DIRT/DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
35
86
Sep 16, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOODS NOT LABELED AND DATED NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER IN FREEZER.MUST INSTALL.
30
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING LIGHT SHIELD COVERS IN PREP AREA NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS AND VENT COVER IN PREP AREA NOT CLEAN AND DAMAGED.MUST REPLACE VENT COVER AND CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS.
35
90
Apr 7, 2016
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF LIQUOR STORAGE CABINET NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS/DUST.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE NECK OF FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK VERY LEAKY.MUST REPAIR
38
90
Mar 30, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: PREMISES REACH IN COOLER IN KITCKEN NOT MAINTAINED.AIR TEMPERATURE MAINTAINED AT 45.4F.MUST MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE REQUIRED OF 40F OR BELOW.COOLER WILL BE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION.MUST NOT USE COOLER UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CDPH. MUST USE ADDITIONAL COOLER ON PREMISES THATS 40F OR BELOW,-CDI. CRITICAL VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005A.
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE REACH IN COOLER MAINTAINED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES.APPROX 5LBS COOKED CHICKEN BREAST AT 46.2F, 4-RAW SHELL EGGS-45.8F,7-LBS MILK-48.5F, 5-LBS SMOKED SALMON-48.F,18-LBS OF NEW YORK STRIP STEAKS-49.2F, 3LBS-RAW CHICKEN-46.8F,3LBS OF CRAB CAKES-48.0F.MUST MAINTAIN FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW. ALL FOODS REMOVED AND DISCARDED BY MANAGER- APPROX 40LBS FOOD AT COST OF APPROX $300.00.CRITICAL VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005A.
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF LIQUOR STORAGE CABINET NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS/DUST.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE NECK OF FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK VERY LEAKY.MUST REPAIR.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP ON WALL OPEN FOR ICE MACHINE NOT PROPERLY STORED FREE FROM DUST..MUST PROVIDE CLEAN,SANITIZE CONTAINER OR HOLDER.
43
78
Oct 22, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP IN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.
33
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUS ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE AND 4 DOOR REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE EXTERIOR OF EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN THE CORNERS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AT THE SERVER STATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CEILING VENT ABOVE THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE WITH ACCUMULATED DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CEILING VENTS.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A WET MOP STORED IN THE MOP BUCKET IN DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WET MOPS HANGING OR INVERTED.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER EDUCATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER EDUCATION.
45
74
Apr 24, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGH OUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE LARGE AMOUNT OF BUILD UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE LARGE AMOUNTS OF DUST AND GREASE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HOOD VENTILATION UNIT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE AND DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
86
Aug 28, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AREA WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
34
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
42
82
Jun 16, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. OBSERVED SLIGHT LIME BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING LIGHT BULB COVERS ABOVE PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL UNCLEAN COVERS.
35
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. 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET AND WOMENS WASHROOM LEFT SIDE HANDWASH BOWL LEAKING AT BASE OF SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINKS.
38
86
Dec 10, 2010
Tag Removal
No violations found.
100
Dec 8, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: Equipment and utensils should get proper exposure to the sanitizing solution during the rinse cycle. Bactericidal treatment shall consist of exposure of all dish and utensil surfaces to a rinse of clean water at a temperature of not less than 180F. FOUND HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE NOT SANITIZING PROPERLY.(160F FINA IL RINSE). CRITICAL VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. Tagged dishmachine.
8
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND SHELVING UNITS NOT WIPED DOWN AT MAIN KITCHEN.
32
90
Feb 17, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. Found food containers not stored properly on shelving units.(must store inverted)
31
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. Found wash cloths not properly stored.
43
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Cliff Dwellers last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Cliff Dwellers on file is from Dec 3, 2025. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Cliff Dwellers?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at The Cliff Dwellers.
Has The Cliff Dwellers' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Cliff Dwellers have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Cliff Dwellers 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 Cliff Dwellers inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Cliff Dwellers is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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