The Crab House
Last inspected: Nov 25, 2025
64
Score
Across the available record, The Crab House has 11 inspections on file, the first dated 2020. The most recent visit was on Nov 25, 2025. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near six violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged 10 times.
The Crab House's latest score of 64 falls below the Chicago average of 81. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 25, 2025
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE OPENINGS OF THE DEEP FRYER UNITS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA WITH A HEAVY BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE REACH IN COOLING UNIT IN THE REAR WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE SHELVING, BASE FLOOR AND THE SLIDING GROOVES OF THE DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SIDES OF ALL THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA WITH A HEAVY BUILD UP OF GREASE, FOOD SPLATTER AND FOOD DEBRIS UNDER AND AROUND THE EQUIPMENT AS WELL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VERY SMALL DRIP OF WHITE PIPE IN THE FRONT AREA IN THE CEILING. INSTRUCTED ***MUST*** REAPIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CEILING COVERING IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA IN FRONT OF THE DEEP FRYERS MISSING...ALSO OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE CEILING REAR AT THE EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND INSECT ACTIVITY.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LEFT WALL AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK PEELING WITH DRYWALL EXPOSED AND ITS DAMAGED...INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAIR.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A CLUTTER OF UNUSED ITEMS STORED ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE REAR WALK IN COOLING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING A POSSIBLE HARBORING SPACE FOR PEST AND INSECTS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA ALL AROUND AND UNDER THE THREE COMPARMENT SINK...THE REAR SHELVING AREA...THE MOP SINK AREA...FRONT FOOD PREP AND SERVICE AREA..AS WELL AS THE FRONT AREA RIGHT SIDE OF THE BEVERAGE REACH IN COOLING UNIT IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEANING OF GREASE, DIRT, DUST, DEBRIS AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM AND FILTERS WITH A HEAVY BUILD UP OF GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS COOKED IN AREA AND FOOD CONTACT SURFACES BELOW.
56
64
Mar 26, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SOAP OR PAPER TOWELS AT REAR PREP SINK. MANAGER OBTAINED SOAP AND TOWELS AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
10
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND AROUND MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT MAINTAIN
55
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: ALL FISH MUST BE REMVED FROM CRYO VAC PACKAGING DURING THAWING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
35
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING. WORN, DISCOLORED WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN NEW CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN CLEAN AND IN GOOD REPAIR.
47
67
Aug 19, 2024
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS MUST BE LABEL WITH COMMODITY NAME. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF REACHIN COOLERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS IN FOOD PREP AREA ARE IN NEED OF PROPER ATTIRE. FULL COVERAGE ON SHIRTS, CLOSED SHOES ETC. CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE STEAMER OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
82
Aug 7, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION DATED MARCH 2, 2023 REPORT #2571972 #41 OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES. #49 OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF BULK CONTAINERS, PREP TABLES, STEAM TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS, CABINETS, COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #53 OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. #55 OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #56 OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ALL PREVIOUS VIOLATIONS MUST BE CORRECTED AND MAINTAINED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
60
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS MUST BE LABEL WITH COMMODITY NAME. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF REACHIN COOLERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS IN FOOD PREP AREA ARE IN NEED OF PROPER ATTIRE. FULL COVERAGE ON SHIRTS, CLOSED SHOES ETC. CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE STEAMER OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
74
Mar 2, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2565429 ON 10-17-22:58-MISSING ALLERGNEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTTD TO OBTAIN DRAINING AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4" GAP ON BOTTOM CORNERS OF FRONT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS OFF FLOOR.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POP CRATES USED AS SHELVING IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF BULK CONTAINERS, PREP TABLES, STEAM TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS, CABINETS, COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
61
Oct 17, 2022
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: PLASTIC LINING ON BOTTOM SHELF OF STEAM TABLE. CARDBOARD LINING OF BOTTOM SHELF OF PREP TABLE. INSTD TO REMOVE PLASTIC AND CARDBOARD SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: EXCESSIVE BLACK DEBRIS ALONG WALLBASE THROUGH OUT, AROUND LEGS/WHEELS OF ALL EQUIPMENT AND UNDERNEATH COOKING LINE. INSTD TO DETAIL CLEAN, REMOVE BLACK DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN. ALL DOORS NEED DETAILED CLEANING AT DOOR HANDLES AND AT BASE TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE BLACK DEBRIS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE.
58
86
May 18, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER ON SITE FOR MEASURING FOOD TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
36
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
5
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GRIME AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT IN REAR PREP AND REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Apr 12, 2021
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
86
Apr 1, 2021
Routine
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING FOR PACKAGED SEAFOOD SALAD IN DISPLAY COOLER. READY TO EAT TCS FOOD HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH DATE BY WHICH FOOD IS TO BE SOLD, CONSUMED, OR DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
23
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL SANITIZING TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
48
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND ADEQUATE SUPPLIES INCLUDING DISPOSABLE GLOVES, FACE MASK, DISPOSABLE MOP AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER FOR NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
55
Nov 16, 2020
Reinspection
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES HEALTH.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WITH ALL THE NECESSARY ITEMS INCLUDING DISPOSABLE GLOVES, FACE MASK,DISPOSABLE MOP AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER FOR NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
5
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CITY FOOD MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL MANAGERS WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST HAVE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
78
Nov 12, 2020
License
4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES HEALTH.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WITH ALL THE NECESSARY ITEMS INCLUDING DISPOSABLE GLOVES, FACE MASK,DISPOSABLE MOP AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER FOR NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY OR DISCLOSURE FOR UNDER COOKED FOODS SERVED,( COOK TO ORDER,STEAK).INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
25
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM ANY COMPARTMENTS OF THE 3- COMPARTMENT SINK BLACK DIRTY GREASY WATER BACKING UP FROM DRAINS INSIDE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE REPAIRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
48
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CITY FOOD MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL MANAGERS WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST HAVE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Crab House last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Crab House on file is from Nov 25, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Crab House?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at The Crab House.
Has The Crab House's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Crab House have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at The Crab House 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 Crab House inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Crab House is inspected around two times per year on average.
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