The Warbler Chicago
Last inspected: Jan 7, 2026
86
Score
Inspectors have visited The Warbler Chicago 15 times, with records going back to 2017. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 7, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near four violations per visit across recent inspections.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded 12 times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 7, 2026
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (RICE, ONIONS, BEANS, ETC.) WITH THE COMMON NAME OF FOOD ITEM IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA AND MAINTAIN.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLEAR BOWL BEING USED AS A SCOOP FOR CAULIFLOUR IN THE PREP COOLER IN THE COOKS AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USED A SCOOP WITH A HANDLE FOR FOOD ITEMS TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
39
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO RENEW/RECERTIFY ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
86
Jan 16, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
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
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE REAR OF THE PREMISES NOT MAINTAINED STORING UNNECESSARY ARTICLES UNUSED ROLLING CARTS,STORAGE RACKS,TABLES,BROKEN TABLES,UNUSED MIXERS AND LITTERED DEBRIS ETC.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CEILING VENTILATION COVERS IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREAS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS AND MAINTAIN.
56
86
Dec 27, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE 4-DOOR PREP LINE COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 47.0F. NO (TCS FOODS) WERE FOUND IN MENTIONED COOLER AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION.INSTRUCTED MANAGER COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.THE SAID REFRIGERATION UNIT IS TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION"AT THIS TIME.INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED.SEE COMMENTS BELOW.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
33
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCES ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MAKER, DRIPPING INTO ICE "ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION".INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED, SANITIZED, AND MAINTAINED.(*** SEE COMMENTS).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
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO RE-GROUT SOME FLOOR TILES IN THE MAIN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE REAR OF THE PREMISES NOT MAINTAINED STORING UNNECESSARY ARTICLES UNUSED ROLLING CARTS,STORAGE RACKS,TABLES,BROKEN TABLES,UNUSED MIXERS AND LITTERED DEBRIS ETC.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
61
Nov 15, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED LID IN FREEZER CHEST IN BASEMENT. THE HINGES WERE COMPLETELY BROKEN, AND THE LID WAS NOT ATTACHED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
47
95
Jun 29, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 22, 2022
Complaint
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND OVER 20 SMALL LIVE FLIES IN THE BAR AREA, 25 SMALL LIVE FLIES ON CEILING AND WALLS IN THE DINING AREA AND 15 SMALL LIVE FLIES INSIDE BASEMENT CHEMICAL ROOM/SUMP PUMP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS, RECOMMEND THE LICENSED PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A) CITATION ISSUED
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE (2) CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SEAMS AND STAIN ON TOP OF PREP COOLER IN MAIN PREP/COOKING AREA.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA, NOTED SOME DRIED LEAVES AND DEBRIS ON GROUND.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REGROUT SOME FLOOR TILES WITH DEEP SEAMS IN REAR OF MAIN PREP/COOKING AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CONDENSER FAN COVER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND INCOMPLETE APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE . INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF ICE MACHINE WITH MINIMAL BUILD-UP IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.
16
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS IN MAIN PREP AND IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.
36
64
Nov 1, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 22, 2021
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOOD STORED INSIDE OF THE BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER. OBSERVED BEEF SHORT RIBS AT 46.4F INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COLD FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 25 LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE BAR AREA, DINING ROOM AND COFFEE STATION. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE THE FOODS WHICH CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. MUST INCLUDE A STATEMENT THAT "THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED." PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS IN THE PREP AREA.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE DRAIN LINE WATER LEAK AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE BASEMENT.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE DUST ON THE CEILING OF THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ADDITIONAL LIGHTING IN THE FRONT OF THE FOOD PREP AREA.
56
58
Sep 28, 2020
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PAINT CHIPPING FROM CEILING ABOVE HAND SINKS IN MEN'S BATHROOM. MUST REPAIR.
55
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINERAL BUILD UP INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP GROOVES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA ON FIRST FLOOR. MUST DETAIL CLEAN OR REPLACE.
47
86
Jan 23, 2020
Reinspection
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THAT FACILITY PREPARES AND SERVES COOKED AND STORES LIVE MUSSELS. SHELLFISH TAGS OBSERVED TO BE STORED WITHOUT PROPER DATING WHEN IS LAST ONE SOLD OR PREPARED.MUST MAINTAIN RECORDS, PROPERLY MARKED TAGS AND STORED THEM FOR 90 DAYS FROM DATE LAST ONE FROM BOX PREPARED OR SOLD.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
14
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN, PASTA, SLICED TOMATOES)NOT PROPERLY DATED , STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
23
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: RAW WOOD OF THE SHELVING INSIDE THE STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT TO BE SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLUTTER OUTSIDE THE EXIT DOOR(UNUSED COOKING EQUIPMENT) INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO PREVENT RODENT/INSECTS HARBORAGE
55
74
Jan 16, 2020
Routine
4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THAT FACILITY PREPARES AND SERVES COOKED AND STORES LIVE MUSSELS. SHELLFISH TAGS OBSERVED TO BE STORED WITHOUT PROPER DATING WHEN IS LAST ONE SOLD OR PREPARED.MUST MAINTAIN RECORDS, PROPERLY MARKED TAGS AND STORED THEM FOR 90 DAYS FROM DATE LAST ONE FROM BOX PREPARED OR SOLD.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
14
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN, PASTA, SLICED TOMATOES)NOT PROPERLY DATED , STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
23
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 8-12 LIVE BLACK SMALL FLYING INSECTS AT SITE DURING INSPECTION IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS : IN BASEMENT DISH WASHING AREA 5-7, IN BAR AREA 1-2,IN DINING AREA 1-2. RECOMMEND CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A).CITATION ISSUED.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: FACILITY USES HIGH TEMPERATURE SANITIZING DISH MACHINE AND DOESN'T HAVE PROPER TEMPERATURE MEASURING IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR OR THERMOMETER THAT SHALL BE PROVIDED AND READILY ACCESSIBLE FOR MEASURING THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE DURING HOT WATER SANITATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
48
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED USE OF UNWRAPPED STRAWS IN BAR AREA.SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES AND CLEANED AND SANITIZED UTENSILS SHALL BE HANDLED,DISPLAYED AND DISPENSED SO THAT CONTAMINATION OF FOOD AND LIP CONTACT SURFACES IS PREVENTED
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: RAW WOOD OF THE SHELVING INSIDE THE STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT TO BE SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CAULKING ON WALL CONNECTION TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO BE WITH BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE. MUST REPLACE , CLEAN AREA AND MAINTAIN
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLUTTER OUTSIDE THE EXIT DOOR(UNUSED COOKING EQUIPMENT) INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO PREVENT RODENT/INSECTS HARBORAGE
55
52
Dec 23, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-203.11- HAND SINK IN THE WAIT STATION/COFFEE STATION NOT INSTALLED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE AND PROVIDE PAPER TOWEL AND HAND SOAP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED. VIOLATION WAS WRITTEN LAST 10/16/2018.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: RAW WOOD OF THE SHELVINGS INSIDE THE STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT TO BE SMOOTH EASILY CLEANBLE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLUTTER OUTSIDE THE EXIT DOOR(UNUSED COOKING EQUIPMENT) INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO PREVENT RODENT/INSECTS HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAIN AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Oct 16, 2018
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-203.11- NO HAND SINK IN THE WAIT STATION/COFFEE STATION. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE AND PROVIDE PAPER TOWEL AND HAND SOAP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11- MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR INSIDE THE WATER HEATER ROOM AND THE CLEAN PLATE ROOM AND MAINTAIN. PEELING PAINT ON THE WALLS IN THE HALLWAY KITCHEN. MUST SCRAPE PEELING PAINT AND REPAINT. 6-201.16- BRICK WALLS IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. MUST SEALED THE BRICK WALL. MAKE IT SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Dec 19, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Dec 14, 2017
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE AND SOAP AND HAND TOWELS FOR THE BASEMENT WALK-IN-COOLER/ICE MACHINE(S) LOCATION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
11
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED WASTE WATER PIPES IN BASEMENT NEAR/BY WALK-IN-COOLER AND IN DRY STORAGE ROOM.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL PROTECTION TO SAID PIPES SO THE STRUCTURE IS SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
16
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED BRICK WALLS IN THE BASEMENT/DRY STORE ROOMS.ALL EXPOSED BRICK MUST BE REPAIRED/SEALED TO SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES AND SEAL NOTICEABLE OPENINGS AROUND PLUMBING/ELECTRICAL FIXTURES IN BASEMENT/DRY STORE ROOMS AND HOT WATER TANK LOCATIONS AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO GREASE TRAP AT THE KITCHEN DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL GREASE TRAP AND MAINTAIN.
38
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Warbler Chicago last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Warbler Chicago on file is from Jan 7, 2026. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Warbler Chicago?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 12 times, more than any other issue at The Warbler Chicago.
Has The Warbler Chicago's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Warbler Chicago have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Warbler 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 Warbler Chicago inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Warbler Chicago is inspected around two times per year on average.
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