The Violet Hour
Last inspected: Jan 3, 2025
90
Score
The health department has logged 15 inspections at The Violet Hour, the earliest from 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 3, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around three violations to closer to one violation per visit.
Across the inspection history, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded eight times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting The Violet Hour on the better side of that line. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 3, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SHELVING IN COOLER WITH RUSTING WITH CHIPPED PAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SHELVING.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL AREAS OF FLOORING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA THAT ARE NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE FLOOR SO IT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED SECTIONS OF THE WALL AND CORNERS NEAR THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND ICE MACHINE THAT ARE IN DISREPAIR AND NOT SEALED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND SEAL ALL WALL SECTIONS IN DISREPAIR. VIOLATION PREVIOUSLY NOTED IN REPORT #2609470 DATED DECEMBER 19 2024
55
90
Dec 19, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROX. 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS BEHIND THE BAR ON THE LIQUOR STORAGE SHELVES AND FLYING AROUND THE BAR AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL AREAS OF FLOORING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA THAT ARE NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE FLOOR SO IT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED SECTIONS OF THE WALL AND CORNERS NEAR THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND ICE MACHINE THAT ARE IN DISREPAIR AND NOT SEALED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND SEAL ALL WALL SECTIONS IN DISREPAIR.
55
86
Aug 7, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 31, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTDOOR DUMPSTERS IN ALLEY OVERFLOWING WITH GARBAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN DUMPSTERS WITH TIGHT-FITTING LIDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
54
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHLORINE TEST STRIPS ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK COMING FROM BOTTOM OF 2-DOOR COOLER USED TO STORE SYRUPS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED ON COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED CHEST FREEZER AT THE BAR AND SEVERAL PIECES OF UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR HALLWAY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF DUST AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FILTERS OF HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 BURNT-OUT LIGHTBULBS IN THE REAR ABOVE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
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64
Oct 11, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.12 OBSERVED BEVERAGES STORED UNDERNEATH SEWER LINES IN THE BASEMENT. MUST SHIELD THE LINES OR REMOVE THE BEVERAGES FROM THIS AREA.
39
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 CLEAN THE CEILING TILES IN THE BEVERAGE PREPARATION AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 REPLACE THE CORNER WALL MOLDING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
55
86
Jul 11, 2018
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 26, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RIPPED GASKETS AROUND THE DOORS OF THE 2-DOOR REACH-IN REFRIGERATOR TO THE LEFT OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT ACROSS FROM THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKETS TO PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AROUND THE DOORS AT ALL TIMES.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE IS BEING HELD TOGETHER BY BLUE MASKING TAPE. INSTRUCRTED TO PERMANENTLY REPAIR THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE BOTTOM SHELF OF THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR AND THE GASKETS AROUND THE DOOR TO REMOVE LIQUID AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
33
86
Oct 4, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: WHITE CONTAINERS FOR DRY FOOD MUST BE LABELED(KITCHEN).ALSO ANY FOOD PRODUCTS OR NON-FOOD PRODUCTS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINER/PACKAGE MUST BE LABELED.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SPLASH GUARD IS NEEDED AT EXPOSED HAND SINK BETWEEN THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND ICE BIN.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: GREASE INSIDE THE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE 10 BURNER STOVE ALSO GREASE ON FLOOR UNDER THE SAME UNIT.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ITEMS NEEDED AND STORED ON FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT MUST BE ELEVATED 6"OFF THE FLOOR.
34
86
Dec 4, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SMALL BOTTLES MUST BE REPLACED WITH A WIDER MOUTH OPENING TO PROPERLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS NEAR ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST AND SPLATTER BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHEILDS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
36
86
Aug 27, 2014
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN FAN GUARDS IN REACH-IN COOLERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL FLOOR DRAINS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
35
86
Apr 24, 2013
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exposed handsinks in bar area not protected. Instructed to install shield on sides of sink.
32
95
Apr 16, 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: Evidence of rodent activity found on premises. Observed rat droppings in basement storage/mechanical room-approximately 30-50 on ground around hot water tank. Also, double rear exit door and front wooden door not rodent proofed. Instructed to rodent proof doors to prevent rodent and insect entry. Serious citation issued 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ice bins in bar area not covered. Instructed to provide cover for bins. Exposed handsinks in bar area not protected. Instructed to install shield on sides of sink.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Interior ice machine bin, ventilation covers, storages shelves in prep area and cooking equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize daily.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor along wallbase and under equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ceiling not maintained in basement or side hallway. Instructed to replace all missing or damaged drop ceiling panels. Walls along wallbase in side hallway, vestibule, bar area not maintained. Instructed to repair and/or replace and seal/repaint walls and ceiling.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exposed handsink slow draining in bar area. Instructed to repair to prevent slow drain.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Thermometer not provided in bar coolers and not conspicuous inside prep coolers. Instructed to provide thermometers inside coolers and have all thermometers conspicuous inside.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Unnecessary articles in basement and side hallway. Instructed to remove all unused articles and detail clean areas.
41
67
May 3, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR SHELVES OF REACH-IN COOLER
33
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. MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN AREA
34
90
May 21, 2010
Tag Removal
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL AND DATE ALL COOKED FOODS IN WALK-IN-COOLER,BULK FOOD CONTAINERS TO IDENTIFY PRODUCTS STORED. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: GASKET AT CHEST FREEZER IS BROKEN-MUST REPAIR,PROVIDE MISSING ICE BINS BEHIND BAR ALSO SINK STOPPER MISSING SAME AREA.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN KITCHEN NOT SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE,FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT BULBS IN WALK-IN-COOLER NOT SHIELDED
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOMS,ABOVE HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS NOT CLEAN. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE ALL CLUTTER FROM PREMISES.
41
74
May 17, 2010
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers.MUST LABEL AND DATE ALL COOKED FOODS IN WALK-IN-COOLER,BULK FOOD CONTAINERS TO IDENTIFY PRODUCTS STORED.
30
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.GASKET AT CHEST FREEZER IS BROKEN-MUST REPAIR,PROVIDE MISSING ICE BINS BEHIND BAR ALSO SINK STOPPER MISSING SAME 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.FLOORS IN KITCHEN NOT SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE,FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING.
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.LIGHT BULBS IN WALK-IN-COOLER NOT SHIELDED.
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.VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOMS,ABOVE HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS NOT CLEAN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.REMOVE ALL CLUTTER FROM PREMISES.
41
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Violet Hour last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Violet Hour on file is from Jan 3, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Violet Hour?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at The Violet Hour.
Has The Violet Hour's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at The Violet Hour have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Violet Hour 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 Violet Hour inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Violet Hour is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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