The Second City
Last inspected: Jun 26, 2025
86
Score
Going back to 2016, The Second City has eight inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Jun 26, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around four violations across recent inspections versus roughly seven violations before.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 26, 2025
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15--OBSERVED THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BOTH FAUCETS OF THE 3RD FLOOR/ UP KITCHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO BE LEAKING HEAVILY EVEN WHEN THE WATER IS NOT TURNED ON TO USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE BOTH FAUCETS AT THE 3 COMP SINK AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 6-202.14--OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DOORS ON BOTH MEN AND WOMENS BATHROOMS IN 2ND FLOOR ON EAST SIDE OF BUILDING NEAR ENTRANCE FROM WELLS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DOORS FOR BOTH.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12--OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN BELOW 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN 3RD FLOOR BACK BAR TO BE HEAVILY SOILED. OBSERVED HEAVY DEBRIS AND TRASH BUILD UP BEHIND HOT WATER HEATER OF UPSTAIRS BAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOORS AND MAINTAIN FREE OF EXCESSIVE TRASH AND DEBRIS BUILD UP.
55
86
Mar 28, 2025
Complaint
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN THE 3RD FLOOR BACK BAR DISH AREA WITH A FINAL SANITIZING RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 113F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MACHINE WAS NOT IN USE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO SERVICE TO MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SANITIZING FINAL RINSE TEMPERTURE OF AT LEAST 165F. DISH MACHINE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS ABLE TO MAINTAIN FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 165F AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. PRIORITY VIOLATION, 7-38-025.
16
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BOTH FAUCETS OF THE 3RD FLOOR/ UP KITCHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO BE LEAKING HEAVILY EVEN WHEN THE WATER IS NOT TURNED ON TO USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE BOTH FAUCETS AT THE 3 COMP SINK AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DOORS ON BOTH MEN AND WOMENS BATHROOMS IN 2ND FLOOR ON EAST SIDE OF BUILDING NEAR ENTRANCE FROM WELLS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DOORS FOR BOTH.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN BELOW 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN 3RD FLOOR BACK BAR TO BE HEAVILY SOILED. OBSERVED HEAVY DEBRIS AND TRASH BUILD UP BEHIND HOT WATER HEATER OF UPSTAIRS BAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOORS AND MAINTAIN FREE OF EXCESSIVE TRASH AND DEBRIS BUILD UP.
55
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING THERMOMETER IN 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN 2ND FLOOR MAIN KITCHEN/PREP AREA BY 1959 BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER TO MEASURE AMBIENT INTERNAL AIR TEMPERTURE. PROVIDED AT TIME OF INSPECTION.
36
70
May 8, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED 2 UPPER SWING DOOR WITH BOTTOM 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. TCS FOODS GARLIC AIOLI 46, POLISHES 52.1 APPROX. 12 LBS VALUED AT $163. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
22
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERIOR OF ICE BIN BEHIND BAR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED CUTTING BOARD AT COOKS LINE WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO RESTORE TO A SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE OR REPLACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED COMPARTMENT UNDERNEATH FRYER IN KITCHEN WITH GREASE BUILD UP AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN DRY STORAGE ROOM ACROSS THE KITCHEN, STORED IN BETWEEN THE WALL AND CARBON DIOXIDE TANK BEHIND BAR AND IN ROOM WITH HOT WATER HEATER IN THE UPSTAIRS PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS. ANY KEPT ITEMS SHOULD BE STORED ON SMOOTH CLEANABLE SHELVES A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.
55
70
Oct 11, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: DELIME AND CLEAN ALL INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE DISH MACHINE, ALSO CLEAN INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS, STOVES ETC.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: GREASE ON FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
86
Apr 11, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 12 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: AS OF INSPECTION DATE 04/11/19, OBSERVED READY TO EAT/TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS, *1.5LBS OF HUMMUS SAUCE, AT $5.00: 04/01/19 *7LBS OF COOKED SPINACH RISOTTO, AT $10.00: 04/02/19 *5LBS OF MARIANA SAUCE, AT $12.00: 04/04/19 *4LBS OF SPICY AIOLI SAUCE, AT $8.00: 03/26/19 *2LBS OF RANCH DRESSING, AT $8.00: 03/26/19 STORED IN COLD HOLDING UNITS, WITH OTHER FOODS, PAST APPROPRIATELY MARKED DATES. INFORMED MANAGER THAT DATE MARKED READY TO EAT/TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS SHALL BE DISCARDED OR HELD IN A DESIGNATED/SEPARATE STORAGE AREA, IF STILL IN STORAGE AFTER 7 DAYS OF PRODUCTION/ DISCARD OR CONSUMPTION DATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD OR SEPARATE READY TO EAT/TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS WHICH EXCEEDS APPROPRIATELY MARKED DATE OF PRODUCTION/ DISCARDED OR CONSUMPTION DATES. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED 19.5LBS, $43.00 PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005 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
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINKS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: -SHARED CUSTOMER/EMPLOYEE RESTROOMS INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT SAID AREAS.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON LEFT SIDE AND RIGHT SIDE OF HAND WASHING SINKS AT BOTH BACK BAR AREAS, ADJACENT TO ICE BIN AND DRAIN BOARD AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD AT SAID AREA. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON LEFT SIDE AND RIGHT SIDE OF HAND WASHING SINKS AT FRONT BAR AREA, ADJACENT TO ICE BIN AND DRAIN BOARD AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD AT SAID AREA. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE/DUST BUILD ON EXTERIOR SURFACE OF HOOD FILTERS ABOVE COOK LINE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE EMBEDDED IN CAULK LINE AT BACK SPLASH AREA OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE CAULK AND ENSURE SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO IDENTIFY BACK FLOW PREVENTER/VACUUM BREAKER DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE IN STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO IDENTIFY AND OR INSTALL. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLOW DRAIN AT HAND WASHING SINK, ADJACENT TO DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER LEAKING FROM WATER INLET LINE, UNDERNEATH DISH WASHING MACHINE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
51
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BACK BAR COUNTER LIQUID WASTE DRAINAGE TUBE, CONVEYED/DIRECTED TO DISCHARGE INTO:DUMP SINK, AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INFORMED MANAGER THAT LIQUID WASTE DRAINAGE TUBE AT BAR AREAS MUST DIRECTED/CONVEYED TO DISCHARGE INTO FLOOR/PLUMBING DRAIN UNDERNEATH SAID EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE DIRECT/CONVEY LIQUID WASTE DRAINAGE TUBE TO DISCHARGE TO FLOOR PLUMBING DRAIN ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
52
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN TWIST VALUE STOPPER, AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIGHT BULB/FIXTURE ABOVE ICE MACHINE CLOSET AREA, ADJACENT TO FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL BULB/FIXTURE IN SAID AREA. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATE NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATES.
58
43
Apr 12, 2018
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FEW ITEMS NOT PROPERLY LABELED INSIDE 2-DOOR COOLER IN REAR FOOD SORAGE AREA. MUST LABEL ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME PREPARED BY DATE AND/OR USED BY DATE.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP VENTILATION FANS INSIDE 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR BEHIND AND NEXT TO COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OPENINGS INTO CEILING AROUND PIPES ABOVE 2-DOOR VEGETABLE COOLER. MUST SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE BINS IN FRONT BAR AREA. MUST PROPORLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
78
Apr 12, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST DISCONTINUE USE OF MILK AND SODA CRATES AS STORAGE RACKS IN PREP AREAS. ALSO, REMOVE RUST BUILD UP ON GREASE TRAP UNDER 3-COMP SINK, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES IN THE 1-DOOR REACH IN FREEZER IN AND PREP COOLERS IN THE PREP AREA. ALSO, THE EXTERIOR CONTACT SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE HAS CALCIUM BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS BEHIND THE FRONT BAR, AND FLOORS IN THE BACK HALLWAY BEHIND DOOR 59. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR PEELING PAINT ON SIDE WALLS NEXT TO THE FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
35
82
Mar 3, 2016
License
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARDS AT HAND SINKS IN PREP AREA AND BAR AREA,SINgS ON MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILETROOM DOORS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL AND EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND BAR AREA.MUST SEAL GAP IN BETWEEN FLOOR AND WALLBASE IN HOT WATER TANK AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL GAPS IN WALLBASES IN KITCHEN NEXT TO EQUIPMENT,HOT WATER TANK ROOM,STORAGE AREA,OPENINGS IN BRICK WALL NEXT TO KITCHEN,OPENING AROUND PIPE IN MEN'S TOILETROOM UNDER HAND SINK.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DOOR CLOSURE ON WOMEN'S TOILETROOM,MOTOR EXPOSED ABOVE DISH DRAIBOARD IN DISH WASHING AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR REFRIGERATOR AREA OF BAR AREA
36
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE HOOKS TO HANG WET MOPS
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN
45
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Second City last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Second City on file is from Jun 26, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Second City?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at The Second City.
Has The Second City's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at The Second City have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Second City 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 Second City inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Second City is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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