The Spirit of Chicago
Last inspected: Sep 22, 2025
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Score
The Spirit of Chicago appears in inspection records 18 times, starting in 2011. The latest inspection on file is from Sep 22, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near one violation per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “insects, rodents, & animals not present”, showing up seven times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so The Spirit of Chicago is doing better than most peers. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
18
Inspections
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Critical latest
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Major latest
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Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 22, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jul 8, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
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Sep 27, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Unable to locate backflow prevention device for ice and coffee makers, Instructed to make visible.
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95
Jul 20, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Ice scoop stored on top of dusty ice maker, instructed to keep in a clean holder.
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Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Inadequate lighting in main walk-in cooler, instructed to provide adequate lighting.
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Aug 9, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND 2 FLY/PEST LIGHT DEVICES WALL MOUNTED DIRECTLY OVER FOOD PREP/COFFEE PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO RELOCATE PEST DEVICES.
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Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND MULTIPLE MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT THE BAR AND PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE CEILING TILES.
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Sep 10, 2020
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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95
Aug 21, 2019
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING COOLERS HOLDING IMPROPER TEMPERATURES AT TIME OF INSPECTION: THE GLASS COOLER IN THE KITCHEN (44.6F), THE FISH REACH IN COOLER IN THE PREP HALLWAY(48.2F), THE CHICKEN REACH IN COOLER IN THE PREP HALLWAY(47.1F), AND THE TWO DOOR COOLER IN THE PREP HALLWAY(45.0F). MUST PROVIDE ALL COOLERS TO MAINTAIN A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. THE TWO COOLERS HAVE BEEN TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. USE OF THE COOLERS AND REMOVAL OF THE TAG IS PROHIBITED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR COOLERS AND CONTACT CDPH AT FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG FOR TAG REMOVAL INSPECTION REQUEST. THE GLASS COOLER AND THE CHICKEN COOLER HAVE BEEN REPAIRED ON SITE AND ARE HOLDING AN AMBIENT AIR TEMP OF 40.1F AND 38.7F RESPECTIVELY. PRIORITY VIOLATION#:7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. -
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Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE THE GLASS COOLER IN THE KITCHEN, THE FISH REACH IN COOLER IN THE PREP HALLWAY, THE CHICKEN REACH IN COOLER IN THE PREP HALLWAY, AND THE PASTA REACH IN COOLER IN THE PREP HALLWAY: 100# OF CHICKEN(51.7F), 25# OF FISH(47.1F), 20# OF PASTA(45.0F), AND 5# OF SHREDDED CHEESE(44.6F). ALL FOODS MARKED WITH A PREP DATE OF 8/20/19. FACILITY CORRECTED VIOLATION ON SITE BY DISCARDING THE FOOD ITEMS WITH A REPORTED VALUE OF $800.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION#:7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. -
22
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED A CEILING TILE MISSING ABOVE THE GLASS COOLER IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. -
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Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: - MUST INCREASE THE HOT WATER PRESSURE AT THE HANDWASH SINKS THROUGHOUT PREP, TOILET ROOMS, BARS, AND SERVER STATIONS TO ADEQUATELY FACILITATE PROPER HANDWASHING TECHNIQUES. -
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Aug 20, 2018
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: 3-501.16(A) OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN PRODUCE WALK IN COOLER- CREAM CHEESE AT 47.0 F, SHREDDED CHEESES AT 48.0 F. HOWEVER PRODUCE WALK IN COOLER AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE AT 42.0 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0 F OR BELOW IF HELD COLD. ALL SAID OUT OF TEMPERATURE TCS FOODS VOLUNTARILLY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
22
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11 DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPERS (X3) NOT WORKING. MUST PROVIDE STOPPERS (X3) FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
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Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE ALSO OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON REAR OF WALK IN COOLERS CONDENSERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.
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Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS/DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING TILES ABOVE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING TILES.
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Jun 16, 2017
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND WARPED DOOR THRESHOLD IN FRONT OF THE GALLEY KITCHEN DOOR(REAR EXIT DOOR)(DOOR IS RODENT PROOFED AT THIS TIME). MUST REPAIR AMD MAINTAIN SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE
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Jun 14, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Wash and rinse water: clean and proper temperature
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION FOUND DISH MACHINE IN THE KITCHEN AREA NOT IN USE. TURNED ON DISH MACHINE AND IT DID NOT HAVE A FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 180F. MACHINE WAS TAGGED AT THIS TIME. FOUND 3-COMP SINK BEING UTILIZED FOR WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING AT 200PPM QAC. CDI. NO CITATION ISSUED.
7
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND WARPED DOOR THRESHOLD IN FRONT OF THE GALLEY KITCHEN DOOR(REAR EXIT DOOR)(DOOR IS RODENT PROOFED AT THIS TIME). MUST REPAIR AMD MAINTAIN SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
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Sep 6, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
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Aug 29, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: 2ND FLOOR BAR GLASS MACHINE NOT SANITIZING, 0 PPM CHLORINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK OR AT MAINTAINED GLASS MACHINES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030. CITATION ISSUED.
8
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK/PINK SLIME AND DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE 3RD FLOOR ICE MACHINE DRIPPING INTO ICE/ON INTERIOR WALLS OF ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. ALL ICE INSIDE ICE MACHINE VOLUNTARILLY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A). CITATION ISSUED.
16
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE CABINETS AT WAITER/WAITRESS STATION. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ALL CABINETS AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON WALLS BY SODA SYRUP DISPENSERS. MUST CLEAN WALLS AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 3RD FLOOR BAR 1-COMPARTMENT SINK HOT WATER HANDLE STRIPPED. MUST REPAIR SINK HANDLE AND MAINTAIN.
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Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: BAR COOLERS MISSING THERMOMETERS. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS.
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Nov 13, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 4, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 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 OVER 30 SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON WALL, CEILING AND EQUIPMENT AT DECK 1 BAR AREA AND 20 FLYING AT AND AROUND REAR EXIT DOOR AREA. MUST REMOVE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN/SANITIZE INTERIOR PANEL OF 3RD LEVEL BAR.
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Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR BEHIND BAR OF DECK 1 BAR AREA.
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Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SLOW DRAIN AT WASH BOWL OF THE WOMENS 2ND FLOOR RESTROOM. MUST REPAIR.
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Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: CLEAN ORGANIZE/MAINTAIN SERVICE STAIONS.
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Jun 20, 2014
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: VIOLATION CORRECTED
16
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOLDY CAULK AT THE DISHWASHER COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN THE CAULK.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING VENT IN THE PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATED DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL CEILING VENTS.
35
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL UNDER THE DISHMACHINE WITH BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL WALLS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET UNABLE TO REACH ALL 3 COMPARTMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FAUCET THAT WILL REACH TO ALL 3 COMPARTMENTS.
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Jun 18, 2014
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS(FISH, CHICKEN, MASHED POTATOES AND POLENTA WITH HEAVY CREAM) IN A PREP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES (48.7F-61.2F). MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 210LBS OF FOOD VALUED AT $365. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD COLD FOOD AT 40.0F OR BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
3
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE ON THE TOP DECK WITH A BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE DRIPPING ONTO THE ICE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
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* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEEF SHORT RIBS) WERE BEING PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON THE PREMISES AT ALL TIMES POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOLDY CAULK AT THE DISHWASHER COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN THE CAULK.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR IN THE PREP AREA WITH DEBRIS AND PONDING WATER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE EXCESS WATER AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL UNDER THE DISHMACHINE WITH BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL WALLS.
35
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING VENT IN THE PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATED DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL CEILING VENTS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET UNABLE TO REACH ALL 3 COMPARTMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FAUCET THAT WILL REACH TO ALL 3 COMPARTMENTS.
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67
Jul 24, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: FOUND NO SOAP AT EXPOSED HAND SINK AT SALAD PREPARATION AREAS. MOREOVER, SALAD PREPARER NEXT TO SINK PREPARING SALADS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO SUPPLY SINK WITH SOAP.LAST, SALAD FOODHANDLER INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS USING SOAP.
12
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND CUTTING BOARDS IN POOR REPAIR AT REACH IN COOLERS.
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Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT MAIN KITCHEN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN 3COMPARTMENT SINK AND DRAINBOARD FOR CLEAN DISHES .
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Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND SOME CLUTTER ON SHELVING UNITS AT DISWASHING AREAS.(TOOLS ETC.)
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Jul 18, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP/ DARK GROOVES MUST BE REPLACED. All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: METAL PLATE AT WALK-IN COOLER IS LOOSE & PULLING AWAY FROM THE FLOOR-MUST FIX & SEAL TIGHT, SO THAT DIRT/WATER DO NOT ACCUMULATE & CREATE PEST ISSUES. The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK FOUND UNDER AT PIPE OF 1-COMP SINK AT THE BAR (1ST FLOOR)-MUST FIX. 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Spirit of Chicago last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Spirit of Chicago on file is from Sep 22, 2025. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Spirit of Chicago?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at The Spirit of Chicago.
Has The Spirit of Chicago's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Spirit of Chicago have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Spirit of Chicago 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 Spirit of Chicago inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Spirit of Chicago is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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