Tufano's/Vernon Park Tap
Last inspected: May 2, 2025
78
Score
Tufano's/Vernon Park Tap has been inspected 16 times since 2010. The newest entry in the record is dated May 2, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near three violations per visit.
“Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” comes up most often, recorded seven times in the inspection record.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 2, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE FOR THE MEN'S WASHROOM LOCATED CLOSEST TO THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LIGHT SHIELD MISSING FROM THE REAR STORAGE/PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE PREP TABLES AND PREP COOLERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE WET WIPING CLOTHS IN A CONTAINER OF SANITIZER WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE CREAM SCOOP STORED IN A CONTAINER OF STANDING WATER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE THE ICE CREAM SCOOP IN HOT WATER ABOVE 135F OR A DIPPER WELL WITH RUNNING WATER OR OTHER MEANS.
43
78
Feb 2, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE SEVERAL OF THE REACH-IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT PROPERLY.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN WOMENS WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
53
86
Sep 22, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ON FILTERS UNDER VENTILATION HOOD DIRECTLY OVER HOT HOLDING TABLE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT NOT WORKING IN WALK IN FREEZER IN BASEMENT. MUST REPAIR.
56
90
Oct 16, 2020
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUST ON THE CAN OPENER NEAR THE BLADE AT THE PREP TABLE; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN OR REPLACE CAN OPENER.
47
95
Apr 11, 2019
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: LARGE CAN OPENER IN REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALL IN AREA WHERE RED SAUCE IS BEING MADE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Oct 3, 2018
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3.603.11 (A) MUST DISCLOSE CONSUMER ADVISORY REGARDING ANY animal FOOD such as beef, EGGS, FISH, lamb, milk, pork, POULTRY, or shellfish is served or sold raw, undercooked, or without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens, either in READY-TO-EAT form or as an ingredient in another READY-TO-EAT FOOD, the LICENSE HOLDER shall inform CONSUMERS of the significantly increased RISK of consuming such FOODS by way of a DISCLOSURE and REMINDER, as specified in �� (B) and (C) of this section using brochures, deli case or menu advisories, label statements, table tents, placards, or other effective written means. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3.501.17 MUST DATE MARK ALL READY TO EAT/TCS FOODS THAT HAVE BEEN PREPARED ON-SITE AND HELD IN COOLERS OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3.302.12 MUST LABEL ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD, WHEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3.307.11 MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE PREP TABLE AND HAND SINK ON THE WEST WALL IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4.202.16 MUST REMOVE RUST FROM STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK IN COOLER/FREEZER IN BASEMENT, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. 4.202.15 MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM MOUNTED CAN OPENER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6.501.12 MUST REPAIR DAMAGED FLOOR IN BASEMENT IN FRONT OF THE LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE, INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
64
Oct 24, 2017
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE, LOCATED IN STEAM TABLE, AT COOK LINE: -15LBS OF COOKED PASTA SHELLS WITH RICOTTA CHEESE STUFFING, AT 118F TO 126F, AT $28.00 MANAGER STATED TOTAL WEIGHT OF 15 LBS AT APPROXIMATELY VALUE OF $28.00 MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED/DENATURED SAID FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP ALL COLD FOOD AT 40 F OR BELOW AND HOT FOOD AT 140 OR ABOVE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: -OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD, BETWEEN FOOD PREP SINK AND PREP TABLE, LOCATED ON EAST WALL OF COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. -OBSERVED DARK DEEP GROOVES ON CUTTING BOARDS, LOCATED AT COOK LINE STATION AND FRONT UTILITY KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RESURFACE AND/OR REPLACE. -OBSERVED CARDBOARD LINER, USED ON WIRE SHELVING UNIT IN MAIN LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM, IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND TO ENSURE SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. -OBSERVED RUSTY SHELVING UNITS, IN WHITE WINE STORAGE ROOM, IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RESURFACE AND OR REPLACE. ENSURE SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MAINTAIN ABOVE, AT ALL TIMES.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILE, DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: -OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILDUP ON EXHAUST FAN, IN WINDOW ABOVE LOW TEMP DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. -OBSERVED CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD,IN REAR PREP AREA NEAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. -OBSERVED UNFINISHED PLASTERED CEILING, IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. ALSO UNFINISHED (LEFT) WALLS, IN MAIN LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO FINISH AND SEAL SAID AREAS.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTS, IN REAR PREP AREA AND MAIN LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM, IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTIVE DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE, IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.
38
74
Oct 27, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 20, 2016
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Source sound condition, no spoilage, foods properly labeled, shellfish tags in place
Inspector notes: NO SHELLFISH TAG ATTACHED OR ON SITE FOR CONTAINER OF MUSSELS IN COOLER. MUSSELS VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 5LBS $50 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005B. INSTD TO KEEP TAGS WITH PRODUCT UNTIL CONTAINER EMPTY.
1
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED. EXCESSIVE/HEAVY LEAK FROM PIPE UNDERNEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030 SERIOUS.
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: ALUMINUM FOIL ON BOTTOM SHELF OF PREP TABLE AT COOKING LINE. INSTD TO REMOVE SAME AND PAINT RUSTY SURFACES UNDERNEATH FOIL.
32
86
Jun 16, 2016
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: CLEAN EQUIPMENT IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO ELEVATE AND STORE PROPERLY.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARD AT MAIN PREP LINE STAINED, WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INSTD TO REPLACE SAME AND MAINTAIN CUTTING BOARDS. INTERIOR DOOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH SOME RUST ACCUMULATION AROUND FRAME. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN. RAW WOOD SURFACES AT REAR PREP AREA. INSTD TO SEAL/PAINT SAME. PLASTIC LINER ON BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE WITH RUSTY SURFACE. INSTD TO REMOVE LINER AND RUSTY SURFACE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: STAINED CEILING TILES IN WOMENS TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO REPLACE SAME.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: METAL STEM THERMOMETERS MISSING FOR FOOD HANDLERS. PROVIDE SAME
40
82
Nov 4, 2015
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Comments: OBSERVED RUSTY SHELVING IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SHELVES IN THE WALK IN COOLER WITH DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SLITE PINKISH BUILD UP IN THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRTY DRINK GUNS AND HOLDERS LOCATED AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST AND GREASE ON THE VENTILATION LOCATED ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, AS WELL A LEAK ON THE RIGHT COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT ONE OF THE WASHBOWLS IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ALL AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SPLASH GUARD IS NEEDED ON THE EXPOSED HANDSINK LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE PREP AREA, SAID EXPOSED HANDSINK IS NEXT TO WASHED UTENSILS AND ICE FOR DRINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
38
82
Oct 21, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD NOT PROTECTED. OBSERVED AN ICE BIN BEHIND THE BAR WITHOUT AN ICE BIN COVER. ALSO OBSERVED SAID ICE BIN WITH ICE IN IT AND SODA LINES IN THE ICE BIN WITH A BLACK SUBSTANCE ON THEM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ICE BIN AND OBTAIN PROPER COVER TO PROTECT THE ICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY SHELVING IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SHELVES IN THE WALK IN COOLER WITH DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SLITE PINKISH BUILD UP IN THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRTY DRINK GUNS AND HOLDERS LOCATED AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST AND GREASE ON THE VENTILATION LOCATED ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE FAUCET OF THE 3 COMPARMENT SINK, ALSO OBSERVED A LEAK UNDER THE RIGHT COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, AS WELL A LEAK ON THE RIGHT COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT ONE OF THE WASHBOWLS IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ALL AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SPLASH GUARD IS NEEDED ON THE EXPOSED HANDSINK LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE PREP AREA, SAID EXPOSED HANDSINK IS NEXT TO WASHED UTENSILS AND ICE FOR DRINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS WITHOUT THERMOMETERS LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
74
Sep 19, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: PROPERLY STORE KNIVES IN KNIFE RACK, INVERT DISHES ON STORAGE RACK TO PROTECT FROM ELEMENTS DURING STOREGE.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS IN BASEMENT AREA ALONG WALLBASE AND AT CORNERS.
34
90
Jul 9, 2013
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER STAINS ON CEILING OF WASHROOMS; CORRECT. CLEAN WINDOW FAN IN KITCHEN WINDOW TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
35
95
Sep 2, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 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. THE FLOOR BEHIND THE WINE STORAGE IS DIRTY, CLEAN THE FLOOR IN DETAIL. THE BASE BOARD IN THE CORNER OF THE DISH ROOM HAS A LARGE GAP, REPAIR THE BASE BOARD SO IT IS SMOOTH AND SANITARY.
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. THE DOORWAY BETWEEN KITCHEN AND SERVICE AREA HAS GAPS AT THE BOTTOM AND SIDE, SEAL THE GAPS SO THEY ARE SMOOTH AND SANITARY.
35
90
Oct 20, 2010
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
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. Degrease the cooking equipment casters and legs.
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. Repair the baseboards under the dishroom wall. Clean and maintain the floors and baseboards so they are smooth and sanitary from corner to corner.
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 and maintain the basement and dishroom walls and so they are smooth and easy to maintain.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Repair the drains in the ice machine area and the sump cover so they are tight fitting.
38
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tufano's/Vernon Park Tap last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tufano's/Vernon Park Tap on file is from May 2, 2025. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tufano's/Vernon Park Tap?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Tufano's/Vernon Park Tap.
Has Tufano's/Vernon Park Tap's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tufano's/Vernon Park Tap have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Tufano's/Vernon Park Tap 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 Tufano's/Vernon Park Tap inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tufano's/Vernon Park Tap is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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