The Great American Bagel
Last inspected: Jan 12, 2026
90
Score
The health department has logged 19 inspections at The Great American Bagel, the earliest from 2014. The Great American Bagel was last inspected on Jan 12, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.
“Proper cooling methods used” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; The Great American Bagel is comfortably above that bar. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 12, 2026
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS IMPROPERLY STORED LESS THAN 6 INCHES FROM FLOOR ON PALLET. INSTD TO STORE AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM FLOOR ON PROPER SHELVING AND MAINTAIN
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CARDBOARD LINING ON STORAGE SHELF IN REAR. INSTD TO REMOVE CARDBOARD AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH, NON POROUS SURFACE.
47
90
May 6, 2025
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
95
Apr 3, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
95
Mar 11, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT THE BASEMENT EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
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
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
40
86
Mar 28, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 14, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND COLD TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD-HOLDING TEMPERATURES INSIDE THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED TO THE LEFT OF THE HOT-HOLDING STATION. SLICED TURKEY, MOZZARELLA, TUNA SALAD, AND CHICKEN SALAD WERE FOUND AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 48F TO 53F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD-HOLDING TCS FOODS AT OR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. FOOD DISCARDED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: EQUIPMENT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE. NOTED THE TEMPERATURE OF THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER TO THE LEFT OF THE HOT-HOLDING STATION TO BE IMPROPER AT 52.0 F. UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL RE-INSPECTED BY CDPH AND MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK COMING FROM THE FRONT PREP HANDWASHING SINK FAUCET. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CURRENT CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER'S ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE TO BE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP NON-EXPIRED CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
58
67
Apr 28, 2022
Reinspection
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (SAUSAGE) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
82
Mar 30, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations.
View 2 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLICED TURKEY AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 50.3F. ALSO OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERTATURE. SALMON FOUND AT 44.5F, SLICED HAM FOUND AT 46.4F, IMPOSSIBLE SAUSAGE FOUND AT 50.7F, CHEDDAR CHEESE FOUND AT 53.2F, SAUSAGE PATTIES FOUND AT 46.4F, PROVOLONE CHEESE FOUND AT 50.2F, SWISS CHEESE FOUND AT 50.5F AND COOKED BACON FOUND AT 50.6F. FOOD HAS BEEN DISCARDED AND DENATURED. ALL FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS AT A COST OF $100.00. COLD HOLDING FOOD ITEMS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF PREP COOLER AT 44.2F. PROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT MUST BE AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
74
Feb 9, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS AT CHECKOUT REGISTER (COOKIES, CAKE PIECES, AND MUFFINS) AND PACKAGED REFRIGERATED FOODS (YOGURT PARFAITS AND SALADS) NOT PROPERLY LABELED WITH INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS TO INCLUDE INGREDIENTS.
37
90
Mar 31, 2020
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO SWEEP THE FLOOR INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND IN CORNER AREAS. CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS AT SINKS IN PREP AREAS. CLEAN VENT FAN IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED ON VENT.
55
95
Apr 12, 2019
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALL AND CEILING ABOVE TOASTER, PANINI MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.'
55
95
Nov 1, 2018
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2.501.11 NO CLEAN UP KIT AVAILABLE ON-SITE DURING THE INSPECTION FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE KIT & PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT INVOLVE THE DISCHARGE OF FECAL VOMITUS MATTER ONTO SURFACES IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4.302.12 (A)(B) MUST PROVIDE WORKING METAL STEM THERMOMETERS FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP ONSITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
36
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2.102.14(n) NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE ON-SITE DURING THE INSPECTION FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE FORM 1B OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3.302.12 MUST LABEL ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4.501.11 MUST REPAIR BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON PREP COOLER ON WALL, IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4.601.11 MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM LOWER SHELVES ON PREP TABLES IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6.201.11 MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS (CORNERS) THROUGHOUT REAR PREP, WALK IN COOLER & FREEZER, AND DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6.303.11 MUST REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHT IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
58
52
Jan 5, 2018
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON-SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS; DELI MEATS, SOUPS, ETC., ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED MANAGER ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SELL BY DATE AND INGREDIENT LABELS ON SELF SERVE MUFFINS AND RICE KRISPY TREATS STORED ON THE FRONT SERVICE COUNTER. ANY FOOD FOR SALE, THAT HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING MUST HAVE A LABEL.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN DOOR GASKETS ON PREP COOLERS BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM CAN OPENER MOUNTED ON PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP. CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM LOWER SHELFS OF PREP TABLES IN REAR PREP. CLEAN EXCESSIVE DIRT ACCUMULATION FROM INTERIOR OF MOP SINK IN REAR.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS IN WALK-IN COOLER, WALK-IN FREEZER OFF DOCK, DOCK AREA, AND BOTH TOILET ROOMS. ALSO, CLEAN DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT BASEMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DUST ACCUMULATION FROM CEILING VENTS IN BOTH CUSTOMER TOILET ROOMS.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR/REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE PREP TABLES IN REAR PREP AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR LEAKY BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON WALL FOR MOP SINK IN REAR.
38
67
Feb 17, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: HANDLES MISSING TO HOT HOLDING POTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT OUT IN REAR PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR,
36
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: Any food handler working in the City of Chicago, unless that person has a valid Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate is required to meet the food handler training requirement. If someone working in a facility that is not a food handler on a regular basis, but fills in as a food handler when needed, they too must have food handler training.
45
86
May 3, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL UNDER TOILET ROOM HANDSINK NEEDS DETAILED CLEANING. VENT IN TOILET ROOM WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN SANE.
35
95
Dec 3, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL PREPACKAGED FOODS ON PREMISES FOR SALE MUST BE LABELLED.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: ALL SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED INVERTED WITH HANDLES UP OR OUT.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE TOP EXTERIOR OF MEAT SLICER AND THE INTERIOR OF THE REFRIGERATOR IN REAR BREAK AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT ALL ROOMS AND AREAS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS, IN CORNERS, UNDERNEATH AND B3HIND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT, AND PLATFORM UNDERNEATH STORAGE RACKS IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA(DIRT, AND DEBRIS NOTED).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN WALL ABOVE GARBAGE CONTAINER IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOP IN A CLEAN CONTAINER PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.
43
74
Jun 15, 2015
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE TOILETS IN EACH EMPLOYEE RESTROOM.
33
95
Sep 30, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 29, 2014
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE SEPARATION BETWEEN THE HALLWAY LEADING TO THE CUSTOMER WASHROOMS AND THE ENTRANCE TO THE MAIN PREP AREA.
16
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT THE BASEMENT WASHROOM DOOR.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR/INSTALL VENTILATION IN CUSTOMER WASHROOMS. MUST INSTALL A BACK FLOW DEVICE AT THE MOP SINK IN THE ATTACHED GARAGE.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST BETTER ORGANIZE CLUTTER IN THE BASMENT. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE STORAGE SHELVES TO STORE ADDITIONAL STOCK ITEMS, CLEANING SUPPLIES AND PAPER GOODS.
41
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Great American Bagel last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Great American Bagel on file is from Jan 12, 2026. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Great American Bagel?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at The Great American Bagel.
Has The Great American Bagel's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Great American Bagel have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Great American Bagel 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 Great American Bagel inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Great American Bagel is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants