The Smith
Last inspected: Sep 15, 2025
100
Score
The Smith has been inspected 11 times since 2019. On Sep 15, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near five violations per visit across recent inspections.
Looking across the full record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” is the recurring theme, flagged nine times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The record reflects steady performance over time.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 15, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 8, 2025
Routine
5 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.APPROXIMATELY 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS OBSERVED ON THE WALLS AND CEILINGS AND EQUIPMENTS IN THE BASEMENT REAR PASTRY PREP AREA AND 3 LARGE HOUSE FLIES FLYING AROUND IN THE BASEMENT MAIN KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.
38
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010,CITATION ISSUED.
3
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2598071 DATED:07/25/2024 #37---3-302.12: **C** Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food.Bulk food container not labeled (salt) instructed to label and maintain. #47--- 4-501.11: **C** Good Repair and Proper Adjustment- Equipment Noted condensation water dripping inside prep cooler at main cook line, instructed to direct it to outside cooler. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN BY 9-15-25. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.
60
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID DOCUMENTATION ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (SHELLFISH ETC.) IS BEING HANDLED AND PREPARED.INSTRUCTED THE PERSON-IN-CHARGE THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON THE PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN (TCS FOODS)ARE PREPARED,HANDLED, AND/OR SERVED.THE PERSON-IN-CHARGE PRESENTED A XEROX COPY OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE.ADVISED PERSON-IN-CHARGE (COPY OF SAID CERTIFICATE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE);INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH ORIGINAL SAID CERTIFICATE AND POST AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCES ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MACHINE, DRIPPING INTO ICE "ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION". INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MAKER CLEANED AND SANITIZED AND MAINTAINED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DRIED-UP FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP ON TOP OF THE BASEMENT DISHMACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER LEAKING BASEMENT ICE MAKERS.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
50
Jul 25, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Bulk food container not labeled (salt) instructed to label and maintain.
37
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: Deli cups not air dried after washing, Instructed to air dry all multi-use utensils.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Noted condensation water dripping inside prep cooler at main cook line, instructed to direct it to outside cooler.
47
86
Jun 15, 2023
Complaint
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MOSCOW MULE DRINKS IS BEING SERVED IN COPPER MUGS (INTERIOR OF THE MUG IS COOPER LINED). COPPER AND COPPER ALLOYS SUCH AS BRASS MAY NOT BE USED IN CONTACT WITH A FOOD/DRINK PRODCUTS THAT HAS A PH BELOW 6 SUCH AS VINEGAR, FRUIT JUICE, OR WINE. MANAGER DISCARDED COPPER MUGS ON SITE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
47
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: THE DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK WAS SOLD IS NOT RECORDED ON ALL SHELLSTOCK TAGS THAT WERE PROVIDED ON SITE. THE FACILITY MUST RECORD THE DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK WAS SOLD. FACILITY MANAGER WENT THROUGH ALL INVOICE RECEIPTS IN HOUSE TO VERIFY WHEN LAST SHELLSTOCK ITEMS WERE SOLD PER TAG. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
14
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CRATES USED AS ELEVATION FOR FOOD STORAGE THROUGHOUT KITCHEN. FACILITY MUST REPLACE MILK/DISH CRATE AS SHELVING TO ENSURE THAT FLOORS ARE EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO CLEAN UNDERNEATH.
47
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR/LARGE WINDOWS ALLOWS FOR PESTS TO ENTER THROUGH. EXTERIOR DOORS SHALL BE: SELF-CLOSING, SOLID AND TIGHT FITTING, AND LIMITED TO DESIGNATED USE.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: LINENS ARE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH FOOD IN THE PREPARATION WALK-IN COOLER. LIENS MAY NOT BE USED IN CONTACT WITH FOODS.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: UTENSIL STORED IN STAGNANT CONTAINER OF WATER NEAR COOKLINE. STORE IN-USE UTENSILS: 1) IN THE FOOD WITH THE HANDLE UP AND OUT OF THE FOOD ITEM; 2) STORED ON A CLEAN AND SANITIZED SIRFACE; 3) IN RUNNING WATER; 4) IN CONTAINER OF HOT WATER MAINTAINED AT OR ABOVE 135F.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLEAN UTENSILS SUCH AS FORKS AND KNIVES OUT ON DISPLAY IS NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION AT CUSTOMER TABLES. UTENSILS MUST BE COVERED AND/OR WRAPED CLEAN UTENSILS SHALL BE HANDLED, DISPLAYED, AND DISPENSED SO THAT FOOD AND LIP CONTACT SURFACES ARE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CARDBOARD USED AS LINING FOR SHELVING IN LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM FOR DRINKS. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE, DURABLE, AND NON-ABSROBENT SURFACE.
47
58
Aug 30, 2022
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ON CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
90
Aug 29, 2022
Complaint
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE MAINTAINING IMPROPER FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 135.6F. MACHINE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR MACHINE SO THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF DELIVERING A FINAL RINSE BETWEEN 180-192F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SHELLSTOCK TAG STORED WITH 2 PANS OF OYSTERS AND 1 PAN OF MUSSELS IN WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROXIMATELY 10LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $200. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN SHELLSTOCK TAG WITH PRODUCT AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
14
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3 BURNT OUT LIGHTBULBS IN HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ON CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
64
Jun 8, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 1, 2022
Complaint
2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE THERMOMETER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2369460 DATED 4/20/2020. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT INCORRECT SINK IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED ITEMS AT DESIGNATED HAND SINK.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON ONE PREP COOLER OPPOSITE COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME ON CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT AND SPRAYER SINK IN 1ST FLOOR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CAULK, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED URINAL IN ONE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM NOT SHUTTING OFF PROPERLY AND SLOW DRAINING WASHBOWL SINK IN OTHER EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME ON TOP OF HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VENTILATION HOODS IN BASEMENT KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 BURNT OUT LIGHTBULBS UNDER HOOD IN BASEMENT KTICHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
55
Apr 20, 2020
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SLIGHT BUILD UP OF DIRT AND GRIME ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE LOCATED BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A WALL MOUNTED POTATO PEELER IN BASEMENT NEXT TO MAIN LINE COVERED IN DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SLOW DRAINING EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK ON MAIN COOK LINE IN BASEMENT NEAR ENTRANCE TO KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME ON THE CAULK AROUND THE THE DISH RACK LOCATED NEXT TO LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN REAR FIRST FLOOR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CAULK, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORD THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
78
Oct 31, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND 2 LARGE CONTAINERS "20 LBS" EACH OF TOMATO SOUP STORED IN WALK-IN COOLER AT 54.4F, CONTAINER STORED IN COOLER FROM A DAY BEFORE. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD SUCH FOODS AT 41 F OR LOWER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. 40 LBS OF SOUP DISCARDED VALUED AT $60.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: IMPROPER COOLING METHOD USED FOR COOLING DOWN HOT SOUP, LARGE TUBS USED, COVERED TIGHTLY. INSTRUCTED TO USED SMALLER SHALLOW CONTAINERS . PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
33
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: DELI CONTAINER NOT AIR DRIED AFTER WASHING, INSTRUCTED TO AIR DRY BEFORE STACKING IN EACH OTHER.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOOD STRAINERS IN POOR REPAIR, LOOSE WIRES NOTED ON STRAINERS, INSTRUCTED TO USE SOUND UTENSILS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MEAT SLICER NOT CLEAN, FOUND FOOD DEBRIS AT THE BACK SIDE OF BLADE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN PROPERLY AND MAINTAIN.
49
67
Apr 18, 2019
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT/ DIARRHEA CLEANUP KIT ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
5
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN
58
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Smith last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Smith on file is from Sep 15, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Smith?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at The Smith.
Has The Smith's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Smith have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Smith 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 Smith inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Smith is inspected around two times per year on average.
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