The Monkeys Paw
Last inspected: Apr 7, 2026
74
Score
The health department has logged 10 inspections at The Monkeys Paw, the earliest from 2012. The most recent report on file is from Apr 7, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near six violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded seven times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting The Monkeys Paw on the weaker side. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 7, 2026
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: UNUSED BOX FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE MUST BE REMOVED TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.
55
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INTERIOR DOOR OF THE BASEMENT BEER COOLER WITH EXPOSED INSULATION. MUST SEAL TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED FOODS IN THE KITCHEN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED THE BOTTOM METAL SHELVING OF THE COOKS LINE PREP TABLE WITH EXCESSIVE RUST. MUST REMOVE RUST TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CEILING LIGHT SHIELD AT THE DISH AREA WITH EXCESSIVE DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED MISSING GROUT BETWEEN TILES WITH POOLING LIQUID AROUND THE DISHWASHING AREA IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR.
55
74
Dec 24, 2020
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114-OBSERVED CRATES AND OTHER UNNECESSARY ITEMS BEING STORED OUTSIDE NEAR REAR DOOR. MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN AREA TO PREVENT PESTS HARBORAGE.
55
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14-OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK AT BAR AREA. MUST PROVIDE.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15-OBSERVED LARGE GAP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE. MUST PROVIDE RODENT PROOF STRIP AT BOTTOM OF DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.12-OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AREA WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP GROOVES. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.11(B, C, D, E)-OBSERVED CHIPPED ICE SCOOP STORED AT ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT. MUST REPLACE
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13-OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD ON THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF COOKING FRYERS. ALSO OBSERVED GREASE ON WALLS LEFT OF COOKING FRYERS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
74
Dec 16, 2020
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENT WRITTEN ON MENU FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY (EGGS, BURGERS). MUST PROVIDE AN ASTERIK NEXT TO THE FOOD ITEMS THAT CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. THEN AT THE BOTTOM OF MENU PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT STATING, "THESE FOOD ITEMS ARE COOKED TO ORDER." NEXT, PROVIDE THE REMINDER STATEMENT AT BOTTOM OF MENU STATING, "CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED EGGS, MEATS, POULTRY OR SEAFOOD MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005.
25
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 1/25/2019, REPORT #2253150. #58-OBSERVED ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATE NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-42-090.
60
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK AT BAR AREA. MUST PROVIDE.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE GAP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE. MUST PROVIDE RODENT PROOF STRIP AT BOTTOM OF DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AREA WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP GROOVES. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHIPPED ICE SCOOP STORED AT ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT. MUST REPLACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD ON THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF COOKING FRYERS. ALSO OBSERVED GREASE ON WALLS LEFT OF COOKING FRYERS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRATES AND OTHER UNNECESSARY ITEMS BEING STORED OUTSIDE NEAR REAR DOOR. MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN AREA TO PREVENT PESTS HARBORAGE.
55
61
Jan 25, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: FOUND LOW TEMP DISH WASHING MACHINE NOT SANITIZING AT FINAL RINSE, 0PPM OBTAINED ON CHLORINE TEST STRIPS, MACHINE WAS BEING USED DURING INSPECTION. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO REACH 100 PPM LEVEL FOR CHLORINE SANITIZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROPER SANITIZER CONCENTRATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION# 7-38-025 CATION ISSUED.
16
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT/TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS, ASSORTED SHREDDED CHEESE, DRESSINGS, SLICED RADISH, ETC. STORED IN ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS, OVER NIGHT, WITHOUT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INFORMED MANAGER THAT TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS STORED FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST HAVE PROPER LABEL AND DATE. INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24HOURS. MANAGER CORRECTED VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE/REMINDER INDICATED ON MENU OF RAW/UNDER COOKED FOODS, FOR CUSTOMER VIEW. INFORMED MANAGER THAT THE DISCLOSURE/REMINDER STATEMENT AND INDICATOR MUST BE IN PLAIN VIEW OF THE CUSTOMER, INDICATED ON MENU OF RAW/UNDER COOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY SIGNAGE, DISCLOSURE/REMINDER INDICATED. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION # 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRACKS AND CREVICES THROUGHOUT FLOORING-GROUTING IN DISH WASHING AREA COOK/PREP AREA. INFORMED MANAGER THAT SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE GROUT AREA AND ENSURE SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WORKING SINK STOPPERS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS AT SAID AREA. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHT FIXTURE ABOVE COOK LINE/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367- OBSERVED ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATE NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATES. NO CITATION ISSUED.
58
58
Jul 24, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR/REPLACE BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON 3-DOOR PREP COOLER IN PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS, DARK BLACK GROOVE PRESENT. ADJUST THRESHOLD AT FRONT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN CALCIUM BUILD UP FROM THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST RE-GROUT FLOOR THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM CORNERS IN WAIT STATION. CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOORS BEHIND BAR. CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN SPIDER WEBS FROM WALLS IN WAIT STATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTALL SPLASH GUARD ON EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
38
78
Jun 30, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUPS PRESET ON THE DINING TABLES DRINKING SIDE UP. INSTRUCTED TO STORE CUPS INVERTED WHEN PRESET ON DINING TABLES.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROST BUILD UP IN THE BASEMENT CHEST FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS ON THE POTATO SLICER. OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF WHITE MINERAL STAINS IN THE BOTTOM OF THE ICE SCOOP BUCKET. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
86
Jul 8, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR SIDES OF THE DEEP FRYER WITH GREASE BUILD-UP, INTERIOR DOOR OF THE DEEP FRYER WITH GREASE ACCUMULATED, FOOD CART INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER WITH FOODS CRUMBS, AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: HOOD ABOVE THE DISH MACHINE WITH GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF THE FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION.
45
86
Aug 7, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: ALL CLEAN UTENSILS, POTS,PANS, FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE STORED UPSIDE DOWN/INVERTED.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE EXTERIOR SIDES OF THE STOVE,INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE, BOTTOM SHELVE OF THE TABLE BEHIND THE BAR CLOSE TO THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER OF THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE BASEMENT. MUST PROVIDE FLOOR DRAIN COVER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: ALL PIPES CONNECTING TO THE HOOD WITH GREASE ACCUMULATED. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELD ON THE HOOD(WITH GREASE BUILD -UP). LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT MUST BE SHIELDED. OR REPLACE LIGHT BULB WITH SHATERRED PROOFED LIGHT BULB. MUST REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHT BULB ON THE HOOD IN THE KITCHEN.
36
78
Oct 3, 2013
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF COOLERS IN FRONT BAR.
33
95
Apr 12, 2012
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Monkeys Paw last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Monkeys Paw on file is from Apr 7, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Monkeys Paw?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at The Monkeys Paw.
Has The Monkeys Paw's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Monkeys Paw have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at The Monkeys Paw 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 Monkeys Paw inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Monkeys Paw is inspected about once every two years on average.
Nearby Restaurants