Third Rail Tavern
Last inspected: Jan 30, 2025
78
Score
Across the available record, Third Rail Tavern has 20 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 30, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near four violations per visit across recent inspections.
“Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing six times across the record.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Third Rail Tavern on the weaker side. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 30, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN, HAMBURGERS, FRENCH FRIES, ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
1
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OIL CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
39
78
Jan 4, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OIL CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
39
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE TO COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
90
Dec 22, 2023
Reinspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2586967 DATED 12/14/2023: #25 " OBSERVED HAMBURGERS ON MENU SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED WITHOUT CONSUMER ADVISORY. INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE TO ALL VERSIONS OF MENU FOR ALL ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
59
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN RESTROOMS AND AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
82
Dec 14, 2023
Routine
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD OF BLACK SLIME ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN BASEMENT AND USED TO PRODUCE ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN FREE OF CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAMBURGERS ON MENU SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED WITHOUT CONSUMER ADVISORY. INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE TO ALL VERSIONS OF MENU FOR ALL ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN RESTROOMS AND AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
67
Sep 22, 2022
Routine
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PERSON ON SITE WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION FOR EACH CURRENT EMPLOYEE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED FROM 11/21/2019, REPORT #2346072. INSTRUCTED TO POST RECENT SUMMARY REPORT VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE OIL TANK CONTAINER WITH HEAVY GREASE ON FRONT END. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
52
70
Nov 21, 2019
Reinspection
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING TIME OF RE- INSPECTION WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BURGERS,SLICED TOMATOES, COLESLAW,SOUP, CARAMELIZED ONIONS, ETC. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER HOLDER WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS TCS FOODS (COLESLAW, HUMMUS, VARIOUS INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED DELI MEAT, SALSAS, MARINATED CHICKEN, ETC) STORED IN REFRIGERATION UNITS IN PREP AND WALK IN COOLER IN BASEMENT WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD OR USE BY DATES ( NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS ) ON READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST MEET REQUIREMENT
1
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING COMPLETION CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDER. MUST MEET REQUIREMENT
58
74
Nov 13, 2019
Routine
8 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COMPLIANCE SUMMARY REPORT POSTED ON SITE FOR PUBLIC VIEW AS REQUIRED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION ON MAY 8, 2018, REPORT #2169336. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BURGERS,SLICED TOMATOES, COLESLAW,SOUP, CARAMELIZED ONIONS, ETC. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER HOLDER WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE FOR REVIEW DURING TIME OF INSPECTION FOR ALL FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND ALL OF THE NECCESARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN POLICY ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIAARHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AVAILABLE AT HAND-SINK IN BAR AREA DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND SOAP AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HAND WASHING.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA WITH BLACK AND PINK SLIMY SUBSTANCE BUILD UP ON THE INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE-MACHINE AND DRIPPING ON ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST REMOVE BUILDUP, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS TCS FOODS (COLESLAW, HUMMUS, VARIOUS INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED DELI MEAT, SALSAS, MARINATED CHICKEN, ETC) STORED IN REFRIGERATION UNITS IN PREP AND WALK IN COOLER IN BASEMENT WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD OR USE BY DATES ( NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS ) ON READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION FOR CHECKING THE SANITIZING CONCENTRATION AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE CORRECT CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS TO MATCH SANITIZING SOLUTION PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON OF IN CHARGE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST MEET REQUIREMENT.
1
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING AND BURNED OUT AND OR MISSING LIGHT BULBS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING COMPLETION CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDER. MUST MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
39
May 8, 2018
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR HOLE IN WALL AT THE TOP OF THE BASEMENT STAIRCASE, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. ALSO, REPLACE/REPAIR MISSING AND STAINED CEILING TILE IN WOMENS TOILET ROOM.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHT IN PREP AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.
38
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON-SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS; CHICKEN, HAMBURGERS, ETC., ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED MANAGER ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS FROM INTERIOR OF MOP SINK IN THE BASEMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN WATER AND DEBRIS FROM FLOORS BEHIND BAR, IN PREP AREA,THROUGHOUT BASEMENT, IN WALK IN BEER & FOOD COOLERS IN BASEMENT, AND IN TOILET ROOM IN BASEMENT.
34
74
Jun 1, 2017
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOK ON GRILL TOUCHING FOODS ONCE COOKED AND REMOVE FROM GRILL AND PLATED AND ANOTHER COOK PLATING LETTUCE FOR SALAD WITH BARE HANDS, NOT USING GLOVES FOR READY TO EAT FOODS, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR GLOVES WITH READY TO EAT FOODS AT ALL TIMES, CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-010 (A)
6
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON DUTY, WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE COOKED AND SERVED, WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED OR AVAILABLE, AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL IN A CLASS WITH PROOF OF ENROLLMENT OR ACTUAL CERTIFICATE MUST BE AVAILABLE, AND A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE COOKED, SERVED AND PREPARED, FOODS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED AT THIS TIME, GRILLED CHICKEN, CORN BEEF, HAMBURGERS AND STEAK, SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-012.
21
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR NOT CLEAN BASEMENT AREA AND OUTSIDE REAR GROUND AREA NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN DAILY,
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOT THREE PROPERLY WORKING SINK STOPPERS FOR KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: Any food handler working in the City of Chicago, unless that person has a valid Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate is required to meet the food handler training requirement. If someone working in a facility that is not a food handler on a regular basis, but fills in as a food handler when needed, they too must have food handler training.
45
78
Dec 12, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Dec 5, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED OF MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN). INSTD TO HAVE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012A.
21
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM 6/10/16 REPORT 1932505 NOT CORRECTED: 33 EXTERIOR SIDES OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME. 35 HOLES NOTED IN CEILING IN BASEMENT EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO SEAL SAME. VENTILATION IN COVER IN WOMENS TOILET ROOM LOOSE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090 SERIOUS.
29
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL BASE AND COVING NEAR UTILITY SINK IN POOR REPAIR. INSTD TO REPAIR BASE OF WALL AND HAVE COVING TIGHT FITTING. WALLS SURROUNDING UTILITY SINK NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN SAME.
35
86
Jun 10, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM 6/29/15 REPORT 1559669 NOT CORRECTED: Any food handler working in the City of Chicago, unless that person has a valid Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate is required to meet the food handler training requirement. If someone working in a facility that is not a food handler on a regular basis, but fills in as a food handler when needed, they too must have food handler training. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090 SERIOUS. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROPER RECORDS, LOGS.
29
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR SIDES OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: LIGHTSHIELD IN PREP AREA LOOSE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME. HOLES NOTED IN CEILING IN BASEMENT EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO SEAL SAME. VENTILATION IN COVER IN WOMENS TOILET ROOM LOOSE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME.
35
86
Jun 29, 2015
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL PREPARED FOODS AND FOODS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINERS STORED FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE LABLELD AND DATED.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: KNIVES IMPROPERLY STORED AGAINST THE WALL AND REFRIGERATED PREP COOLER. MUST PROPERLY STORE IN A KNIFE RACK.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PAINT OR SEAL ALL RAW WOOD INSIDE STORAGE CABINETS BEHIND THE BAR AND THROUGHOUT ALL OTHER AREAS WHERE NEEDED. PROVIDE COVERS FOR ICE BINS BEHIND THE BAR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE STORAGE SHELVES INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT, THE WHITE INTERIOR PANEL & INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT, ANDSIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AROUND DEEP FRYER, AND INTERIOR OF SODA GUN BEHIND THE BAR.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS, IN CORNERS, UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: UNDERNEATH THE BAR, BEHIND AND IN BETWEEN EQUIPMENT IN FOOD PREP AREA, IN STORAGE CLOSET IN BASEMENT, AND THROUGHOUT ALL OTHER SECTIONS OF BASEMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REMOVE ALL COB WEBS FROM CORNERS OF WALLS, CEILINGS, AND EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT ALL AREAS AND ROOMS IN THE BASEMENT. CLEAN WALL UNDERNEATH BAR(STAINS AND SPLATTERS NOTICED), WALLS IN FOOD PREP AREAS(FOOD DEBRIS NOTICED). CLEAN ALL DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN FOOD PREP AREA. REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN BOTH WASHROOMS.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ELEVATE ALL ARTICLES STORED ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT BASEMENT 6 INCHES.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: Any food handler working in the City of Chicago, unless that person has a valid Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate is required to meet the food handler training requirement. If someone working in a facility that is not a food handler on a regular basis, but fills in as a food handler when needed, they too must have food handler training.
45
67
Sep 12, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: ALL RAW WOOD IN NEED OF SEALING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN THE CORNER BY THE GRILL IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
90
Feb 28, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PERPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS,GRILLED CHICKEN,CORN BEEF, HAMBURGERS AND STEAK. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED #7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND SERVICE COOLER AT 54.9 AIR TEMP,NO POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING STORED INSIDE COOLER AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION. COOLER WAS TAGGED.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER NEEDS CLEANING ALONG WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE DEBRIS. ALSO FLOORS IN BASEMENT NEED CLEANING ALONG WALL AND UNDER CRATES TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
34
86
Mar 9, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
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 ELEVATE THRESHOLD AT REAR EXIT DOOR FLOOR.
34
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.MUST REPAIR LARGE HOLE AT WALL NEXT TO BASEMENT DOOR ENTRANCE WAY FOR WALL TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: None of the operations connected with food establishments shall be conducted in any room used as living or sleeping quarters.MUST MAINTAIN PERSONAL BELONGINGS AWAY FROM FOOD PREP AREAS INA SEPARATE LOCATION.
37
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.MUST REPAINT GREASE TRAP BOX TO REMOVE RUST UNDER 3COMP SINK.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS AT ALL COOLERS AND REFRIGERATORS AT ALL TIMES
40
78
May 11, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 22, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. THE ICE MACHINE HAS A BACTERIAL BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE MACHINE, HAVE THE MACHINE SANITIZED AND PROPERLY MAINTAINED.
16
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO CERTIFIED MANAGER PRESENT DURING FOOD PREPARATION (SALADS AND TURKEY SANDWICHES) DURING INSPECTION.
21
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. THE WALK-IN COOLER FLOORS ARE DIRTY AND THE BOTTOM FOOD SHELF SITS ON THE FLOOR, RAISE THE SHELF TO PROTECT THE FOOD AND EASE REGULAR CLEANING. CLEAN AND DRY THE DIRTY WET FLOORS UNDER THE BAR AND IN THE BASEMENT
34
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. CLEAN THE DRIPPING GREASE FROM THE CEILING IN THE MENS ROOM.
35
82
Sep 27, 2010
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 17, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. The ice machine has bacterial buildup above the ice in the holding bin. Glass bottles, plastic water bottles and drink cans are stored in the same ice that is being put into drinks in all of the bar ice bins. Remove all ice, sanitize the bins and separate iced bottles and cans from the consumption ice.
16
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. No proof of a certified manager on duty during the preparation of food was found.
21
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. The bar ice scoops are left in the ice with the handle in the ice.
43
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Third Rail Tavern last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Third Rail Tavern on file is from Jan 30, 2025. The public record contains 20 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Third Rail Tavern?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Third Rail Tavern.
Has Third Rail Tavern's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Third Rail Tavern have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Third Rail Tavern 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 Third Rail Tavern inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Third Rail Tavern is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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