The Pony Inn
Last inspected: Apr 17, 2025
78
Score
Public records show 15 inspections at The Pony Inn stretching back to 2011. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 17, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near four violations each time.
When inspectors have written things up, “non-food/food contact surfaces clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting The Pony Inn on the weaker side. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 17, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CLOTH TOWELS AS LINER FOR SHELVING BEHIND THE 1ST FLOOR BAR.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOOR UNDER THE DISH MACHINE WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----DAMAGED CEILING IN THE 1ST FLOOR MEN'S WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
55
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT CLOSET (SOUTH) MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOOR.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: METAL BACKSPLASH OF THE 1ST FLOOR MENS AND WOMENS WASHROOM HAND BLOWERS WITH EXCESSIVE RUST AND DECAYED. MUST REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING INSIDE THE COOKS LINE COOLER.
49
78
Feb 9, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP ON REAR OF RIGHT SIDE CONDENER IN BEER WALK IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE DAMAGED/CRACKED CEILING LIGHT COVER ABOVE PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING LIGHT BULB COVER.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: SOME FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
58
86
Apr 19, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE DOOR OF THE MACHINE/ICE BIN IN BASEMENT AREA. HANDLES IS NEEDED AT TWO DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN ACROSS FROM COOKING EQUIPMENT. BROKEN LINER INSIDE THE WHITE CHEST FREEZERS TOP DOOR,IN THE BASEMENT.REPAIR ISSUES FOR ALL OF THEM
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: LOW TEMP DISHMACHINE WITH MINERAL BUILD-UP.INSTRUCTED TO DELIMER UNIT
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NEED TO PROVIDE EXTRA WATER FLOW AT HANDWASHING SINK AT SECOND FLOOR BAR AREA. ALSO AT SAME AREA HANDWASHING SINK SLOWLY DRAINING. REPAIR ISSUE
51
86
Apr 13, 2022
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NOTED DOOR TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR ON THE SECOND FLOOR NOT RODENT PROOF WITH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR (ABOUT 1/4 INCH). INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAPS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED FOIL PAPER USED TO LINE SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS AT THE FIRST FLOOR LADIES BATHROOM.. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND DISH WASHER.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED VERY DIRTY LIGHT BULB SHIELDS INSIDE THE BEER WALK IN COOLER THUS REDUCING THE INTENSITY OF THE LIGHT AT THE BASEMENT FOOD DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
56
78
Aug 18, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLES IN 2ND FLOOR WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS MISSING ABOVE PIZZA PREP OVEN. MUST PROVIDE FILTERS.
56
90
Apr 25, 2019
Complaint
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MENU DOESN'T DISCLOSE WHICH FOOD ITEMS ARE OR CAN BE UNDER COOKED.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: BOTH INTERIOR OF ICE BINS DRAINS WITH BEGINNING OF PINK AND WHITE SLIME SUBSTANCE AT BOTH BARS,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
16
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: WASTE WATER PIPE AT FOOD STORAGE ABOVE FOOD PRODUCTS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, MUST BE ENCASED.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: UTENSILS FOR CUSTOMERS(FORK,SPOON ETC)MUST BE PROPERLY STORED INVERT UP SIDE DOWN,INCLUDED PLASTIC UTENSILS
44
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WASTE WATER PIPE ABOVE EQUIPMENT,UTENSILS FOOD DISPOSABLE UTENSILS ETC.INSTRUCTED TO ENCASE SAID PIPE.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: BROKEN STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT BAR,FIRST FLOOR.PROVIDE. RUBBER GASKET AT TWO CHEST FREEZER LIDS ARE BROKEN RE-TAPED WITH TAPE,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE,(BASEMENT AREA) BOTH DEEP FRYERS WITH EXCESS GREASE INSIDE THE CABINETS,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: VENT COVERS ON HALLWAY BY THE ELECTRICAL ROOM AT SECOND FLOOR WITH EXCESS DUST. BLACK WRAPS ON BEER LINE, NOT CLEANABLE AT SECOND FLOOR BAR AREA.REPLACE.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CEMENT WALLS AT LIQUOR STORAGE AND CEMENT WALL AT STORAGE AREA UNEVEN,UNABLE TO CLEAN.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN WITH GREASE AND DEBRIS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND DISH MACHINE AREA,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. BASEBOARD WALL BESIDE THE DEEP FRYER ARE NOT SEAL,REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS,CLEAN AND SEAL.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NO HOOD PROVIDED ABOVE THE PIZZA OVEN IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL OR MOVE OVEN UNDER HOOD OR PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION FROM DEPT OF BUILDINGS/VENTILATION VERIFYING HOOD IS NOT REQUIRED.
56
61
Sep 10, 2018
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 FOUND NO REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR MENU FOR UNDERCOOKED FOOD(HAMBURGERS).7-38-005 PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.MUST PROVIDE.
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-201.11 FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-012(A)MUST PROVIDE.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEANUP PROCEDURE. PRORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
5
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT SODA MACHINE WATERLINE. BACKFLOW PREVENTION MUST BE INSTALLED SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
58
70
Jan 12, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE COLD WATER HANDLE ON THE 2ND FLOOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IS LOOSE AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO TURN ON THE COLD WATER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE HANDLE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN DISREPAIR TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE 1ST FLOOR MOP SINK. A FLOOR TILE IS MISSING, THE GROUT IS CRACKED AND THE COVING IS DETACHING FROM THE WALL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE FLOOR TO BE SMOOTH, DURABLE AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: THE LIGHT IS BURNT OUT AT THE LEFTMOST FIXTURE ABOVE THE COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE BULB.
36
86
May 18, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOODS MUST BE LABELED OF CONTENTS.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: DIRTY TABLE TOP CAN OPENER. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR LID OF THE KITCHEN BOX FREEZER AND INTERIOR DOOR OF THE COOKS LINE TWO DOOR COOLER IN POOR REPAIR WITH EXPOSED INSULATION.COOLER DOOR REPAIRED WITH TAPE. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR TO MAKE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE. MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE KITCHEN EXPOSED HAND SINK AND CLEAN DISH AREA FOR CLEAN DISHES. MUST NOT USE TIN CANS AND RAW WOOD AS PROPS AND SHELVING INSIDE THE BASEMENT FOOD WALK-IN COOLER. MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING IN THE KITCHEN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MISSING FLOOR TILE AT THE 1ST FLOOR BAR EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST REPLACE.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: TOILET IN THE MIDDLE STALL OF THE 1ST FLOOR WOMANS WASHROOM NOT FLUSHING. MUST REPAIR. TWO WORKING TOILETS AVAILABLE.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ACCURATE INTERNAL THERMOMETERS FOR THE KITCHEN COOLERS.
40
74
Jul 29, 2015
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND SLIGHT DIRT ACCUMULATION ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT AROUND THE CHEST FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
95
Aug 20, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT NEXT TO ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRY AT ALL TIMES.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FRONT EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK IN FRONT BAR AREA IS DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT. MUST PROPERLY STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.
43
86
Sep 13, 2013
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR/REPAIR GASKET AT THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR FOOD PREP COOLER,REMOVE RUSTY SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.
32
95
Sep 10, 2013
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN THE BAR AREAS. APPROXIMATELY 15 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON THE BAR GUN EQUIPMENTS, BEHIND COUNTERS,WALL AND DINING ROOM.ALSO,5 LIVE HOUSE FLIES IN KITCHEN,DINING ROOM.THE 2 FRONT DOORS MUST BE TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOMS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY AND PEST PROOF SAID DOORS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food stored in coolers must be dated & labeled.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE,INVERT ALL CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS,DISHWARE IN KITCHEN AREAS,BASEMENT DRY STORAGE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR/REPAIR GASKET AT THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR FOOD PREP COOLER,REMOVE RUSTY SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: BAR GUNS AND HOUSINGS ATTACHED,INTERIOR COMPARTMENTS TO KITCHEN DEEP FRYERS REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR DRAINS IN THE KITCHEN REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS ON THE VENTILATION COVERS IN THE TOILET ROOMS.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE,MAINTAIN A VISIBLE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MONITORING FOOD TEMPERATURES.
40
67
Aug 11, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 10, 2011
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. REPLACE BROKEN LID OF CHEST FREZEER,IN BASEMENT AREA.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.SWEEP FLOOR IN BASEMENT AREA, AND SPRINKLER ROOM,ALSO ELEVATE ITEMS NEEDED 6" OFF THE FLOOR UNDER AND SIDE OF THE STAIRCASE THAT GOES IN BASEMENT (NORTH STAIRCASE).
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN KITCHEN, ABOVE THE PREP AREA, ALSO REPAIR THE FRAME OF SAME LIGHT.
36
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. OBSERVED PIZZA OVEN IN KITCHEN(8.2KW)NOT UNDER THE VENTILATION,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VENTILATION, REMOVE UNIT OR PROVIDE A UNIT THAT IS A 7.5KW,WHICH NO VENTILATION IS NEEDED.
38
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Pony Inn last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Pony Inn on file is from Apr 17, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Pony Inn?
Across the inspection record, “non-food/food contact surfaces clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at The Pony Inn.
Has The Pony Inn's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Pony Inn have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Pony Inn 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 Pony Inn inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Pony Inn is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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