The Wit — State & Lake
Last inspected: Jul 24, 2025
78
Score
Public records show 19 inspections at The Wit — State & Lake stretching back to 2010. The Wit — State & Lake was last inspected on Jul 24, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near three violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded five times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting The Wit — State & Lake on the weaker side. The record reflects steady performance over time.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 24, 2025
Complaint
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED TO ADD DISCLOSURE STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS CAN BE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER TO MENU. CORRECTED ON SITE, DISCLOSURE STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL FOODS ARE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER ADDED TO MENU BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOWER BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE(RPZ) UNSCREWED AND OBSERVED UPPER BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LEAKING(CLOSER TO CEILING) AT FIRST FLOOR UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LOWER BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE(RPZ) AND UPPER BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE(CLOSER TO CEILING) AT FIRST FLOOR UTILITY SINK AND MAINTAIN.
51
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OPENING AT LEFT CORNER BASE OF HADDOX EXIT DOOR(STAIRWELL). INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXES OF LIQUOR STORED ON MILK CRATES IN DOCK AREA LIQUOR STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
47
78
Jul 29, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE (WASTE CAN WITH LID) INSIDE WOMENS WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE FOR FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS.
53
95
Dec 11, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2-402.11 OBSERVED SOME MALE FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS AND WITHOUT BEARD GUARDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
40
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: 4-904.11 OBSERVED TABLEWARE BEING PRE-SET ON CUSTOMER DINING TABLES IN THE STATE & LAKE RESTAURANT. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS PROTECT TABLEWARE BY PROTECTING THE MOUTHPIECE OF THE UTENSILS AND INVERTING THE COFFEE CUPS OR DO NOT PRE-SET CUSTOMER DINING TABLES OR SET THE CUSTOMER DINING TABLES UPON ARRIVAL.
45
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED A COLD-WATER KNOB NOT TURNING ON AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR THE MANAGER ON DUTY. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT WITH ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS.
58
82
Sep 21, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OATMEAL AND FLOUR OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND IN BULK CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN THE KITCHEN COVERED DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
90
Aug 9, 2021
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: MISSING THEMOMETER IN SEVERAL PREP COOLERS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MISSING LABEL ON BULK FOOD CONTAINER ( SUGAR, FLOUR ) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
37
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: DELI CUPS NOT AIR DRIED AFTER WASHING AND BEFOR STACKING, INSTRUCTED TO AIR DRY ALL MULT-USE UTENSILS AND MAINTAIN.
44
86
Jan 16, 2020
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREA IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. -
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE TORN DOOR GASKET ON COOLER DRAWERS IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS ON PREP COOLERS IN PREP AREA, as cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and SANITIZED, or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. -
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BROKEN SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM OFF THE DINING AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
53
82
Feb 6, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITH A BODILY FLUID SPILL KIT AND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PRESET TABLEWARE AT ALL DINING TABLES. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL PRESET TABLEWARE SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION BY BEING WRAPPED, COVERED, OR INVERTED. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
44
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLATES AT ALL STORAGE AREAS NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INVERT PLATES AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING EXTERIOR TEMPERATURE GAUGE ON THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR UNITS IN KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A WATER SLOWLY DRAINING FROM THE HANDSINK IN THE MEN'S RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
67
Feb 6, 2018
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE UTENSILS SANITIZING, FOUND HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE FINAL RINSE AT 159 F IN MAIN KITCHEN, MACHINE WAS BEING USED DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAINTAIN 180 RINSE TEMP AT ALL TIME. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
8
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE, NO CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ( CHICKEN, EGGS....), SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
21
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: CLEAR PLASTIC CONTAINERS NOT AIR DRIED AFTER WASHING. JUST STACKED INSIDE EACH OTHER. INSTRUCTED TO AIR DRY UTENSILS.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MULTI-USE UTENSILS IN POOR REPAIR, FOUND LOOSE WIRES ON A FOOD STRAINER, INSTRUCTED TO USE SOUND UTENSILS.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE SNEEZE GUARD AT EMPLOYEES SELF-SERVICE FOOD LINE. CURRENT GUARD TOO SHORT. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AN ADEQUATE SNEEZE GUARD.
32
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER WITH BEARD NOT WEARING BEARD RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.
42
74
Mar 21, 2017
Routine
No violations found.
100
Apr 22, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Above violation still remaining(Walk in cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be replaced, cutting boards that had deep cuts in kitchen prep area, shall be replaced).
32
95
Apr 15, 2016
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: Found potentially hazardous foods not meeting 40F or less in reach in cooler, and prep table counter top at time of inspection. Citation issued 7-38-005(A). Critical violation. List of potentially hazardous foods not meeting temperatures of 40F or less are as follows: Pork Pate at 47.8F, meat loaf 48.5F, Salsa at 47.4F, cut tomatoes at 48.9F, cut vegetables 49.5F, cooked chicken at 49.8F, Pasta 46.9F, Soft cheeses at 49.4F, etc...Mgmt discarded products at once, 120lbs, approximate value $1300.00.(air temp of cooler was at 41.5F).
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: Found/observed front entrance/exit doors not rodent proofed, door had gaps on bottom of doors ranging from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. Citation issued 7-38-020 Serious violation.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Walk in cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be replaced, cutting boards that had deep cuts in kitchen prep area, shall be replaced. Caulk around exposed hand sinks, and 3 compartment sink in prep areas in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices), Kitchen storage shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices), Coffee station, bar area shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Prep table lower shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners), floors in rear kitchen prep area by dish machine area not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners), floors in walk in coolers under shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners). Floors in storage areas under shelving/racks in bsmt area not clean, needs detailed cleaning(Corners).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Walls that had peeling paint/exposed plaster in bsmt kitchen storage areas, shall be repaired/sealed. Damaged ceiling tiles in kitchen prep area, above coolers, shall be repaired/replaced.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Stock items must be stored six inches off of floor to prevent pest harborage.
41
70
Jun 12, 2015
Complaint
No violations found.
100
May 18, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT KITCHEN TO REMOVE SLIGHT BUILD-UP. ALSO MUST CLEAN THE SODA AND SYRUP LINES AT THE BAR AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BROKEN/CRACKED FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT KITCHEN IN FRONT OF THE WALK-IN PRODUCE COOLER SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE FLOOR DRAINS AT THE BAR AREA.
34
90
Apr 29, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE FOOD PROTECTION, FOUND ABOUT 10 LBS OF COOKED AND RAW FOODS THAT ARE VACUUM PACKAGED ON SITE WHITOUT OBTAINING PROPER HEALTH DEPT APPROVAL, INSTRUCTED MGR TO DISCONTINUE VACUUME PACKAGING AND CONTACT THE OFFICE OF CDPH FOR FURTHER INQUIRY. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
16
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ICE MAKER INTERIOR SURFACES NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. SODA GUN DISPENSERS AT BAR NOT CELAN INSIDE, INSTRUCRTED MGR TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
90
Aug 28, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE MULTI-USE UTENSILS(THONGS) AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED THONGS HANGING OFF THE SPLASH GUARD AT THE HAND SINK.
31
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF BULBS AT ALL REFRIGERATOR, COOLERS AND COLD HOLDING UNITS AT ALL TIMES.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR THE LEAK AT THE PIPE UNDER THE HAND WASHING SINK ON THE FIRST FLOOR BY THE PREP AREA.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETERS AT ALL REFRIGERATORS, COOLERS, WALK IN COOLERS AND COLD HOLDING UNITS AT ALL TIMES.
40
82
Nov 6, 2012
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST FIX THE LEAKS AT THE BASE OF THE FAUCET AND AT THE PIPE UNDER THE 3RD COMPARTMENT ON THE 3 COMP. SINK IN THE MAIN PREP AREA IN THE BASEMENT.
38
95
Feb 10, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY LABEL ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS THAT HAVE BEEN COOKED/REOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
30
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE TO THE TOILET ROOM DOORS.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUT REPAIR THE LEAK AT THE PIPE UNDER THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE DISH MACHINE AREA.
38
86
Mar 14, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 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. SEVERAL FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELD, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. CLEAN CUTTING BOARD STORED ON FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO STORE AT LEAST 6" OFF FLOOR.
31
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. DELI SLICER AND ICE SCOOP HOLDER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. PEELING PAINT NOTED ON DRY FOOD STORAGE CEILING, CHIPPED DRY WALL BEHIND UTENSILS STORAGE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
Jun 21, 2010
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Wit — State & Lake last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Wit — State & Lake on file is from Jul 24, 2025. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Wit — State & Lake?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at The Wit — State & Lake.
Has The Wit — State & Lake's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Wit — State & Lake have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Wit — State & Lake 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 Wit — State & Lake inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Wit — State & Lake is inspected roughly once per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants