Waffles Chicago
Last inspected: Mar 29, 2019
95
Score
Public records show eight inspections at Waffles Chicago stretching back to 2016. The most recent report on file is from Mar 29, 2019. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well. Waffles Chicago's record stops at Mar 29, 2019, more than two years back, so current conditions may differ.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around three violations compared to roughly five violations earlier on.
When inspectors have written things up, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.
Waffles Chicago's latest score of 95 sits above the Chicago average of 81. The record reflects steady performance over time.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 29, 2019
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-204.12 OBSERVED GASKETS FOR REACH IN COLD HOLDING UNITS IN DISREPAIR. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
95
Mar 22, 2019
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COLD HOLDING UNIT NOT MEETING TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS, IN DISREPAIR REACH IN COOLER COLD HOLDING AT 50.9 DEGREES F IN FRONT PREP KITCHEN AREA (COOK LINE) OF FACILITY. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE FACILITY MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE COLD HOLDING UNIT AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED. TAGGED UNIT
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD NOT MEETING TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS, READY TO EAT PASTA, FIVE 3 POUND CONTAINERS AT 45.9-49.7 DEGREES AND ONE 8 POUND PAN OF RAW CHICKEN ALL INSIDE REACH IN PREP COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA NEAR COOK LINE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE COLD HOLDING MUST REMAIN AT 41 DEGREES F OR BELOW REQUIRED TEMPERATURE. PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARY DISCARDED FOOD ITEMS NOT MEETING REQUIREMENTS. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF REQUIREMENTS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED. APPROX 23 POUNDS $150.
22
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-203.11 OBSERVED NO HAND SINK IN FRONT PREP (COFFEE) AREA AND FAR REAR PREP(CREPES) AREA OF FACILITY. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND INSTALL A HAND SINK UNDER CITY WATER PRESSURE AND MAINTAIN IN AREA OF FACILITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUES
10
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT CHEMICAL TEST KIT/STRIPS FOR TESTING SANITIZER RESIDUAL FOR CHEMICAL SANITIZERS USED IN FACILITY AND TESTING DEVICES. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CHEMICAL TEST KIT IN FACILITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
48
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-203.11 OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT THERMOMETER (TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE) FOR MEASURING (PROBING) FOOD ITEMS/ PRODUCTS IN FACILITY FOR ACCURACY. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGED THERMOMETERS ARE REQUIRED FOR MEASURING FOOD ACCURACY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19 OBSERVED EQUIPMENT ( REACH IN COOLER, TOUCH POINT AREAS, ETC.) WITH ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GASKETS FOR REACH IN COLD HOLDING UNITS IN DISREPAIR. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REFUSE AREA FOR RECYCLING BOXES NOT MAINTAINED. BOXES NOT FLAT ACCUMULATION OF BOXES ON GROUND IN REAR GARAGE/ENCLOSURE AREA(NEAR BACK DOOR). FACILITY MUST REMOVE ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN.
54
47
Aug 24, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 16, 2018
Routine
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS NOT AT THE PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR LESS DURING STORAGE IN A 2 DOOR PREP COOLER AND A COLD HOLDING UNIT LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA; 2 LBS OF EGGS AT 52F, 5 LBS OF RAW CHICKEN AT 50F, 5 LBS OF COOKED PORK AT 51-58F, 5 LBS OF RAW BEEF AT 50F, 3 LBS OF CORNED BEEF AT 60.8F AND 3 LBS OF CANADIAN BACON AT 58.7F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID ITEMS AND TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS AT 41F OR LESS AT ALL TIMES. TOTAL DISCARDED 23 LBS VALUED AT $50. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE PREP COOLER WITH TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BEEF, EGGS) INSIDE AT AN IMPROPER AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F AND ONE COLD HOLDING UNIT WITH TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (PORK)INSIDE AT AN IMPROPER AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 64F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
33
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 PRIORITY VIOLATIONS DURING THE INSPECTION. PLEASE SEE VIOLATIONS #22 AND #33. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
1
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED BY THE COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR EMPLOYEE USE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THERE IS A STEEL PREP TABLE MOUNTED TO THE WALL IN FRONT OF THE HAND SINK THAT RESTRICTS HAND SINK USE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PREP TABLE SO THAT HAND WASHING SINK IS ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(c).
10
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME READY TO EAT TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING PRODUCT NAME AND DATES INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL READY TO EAT TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST ON THE VENTS LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOST OF THE FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO RENEW ALL EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.
58
39
Dec 1, 2017
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOOR LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT CUSTOMER SERVICE/SERVING COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
34
95
Oct 24, 2017
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 5 SMALL FLIES ON THE WALL OF THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, 25 SMALL FLIES ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE DISH MACHINE AREA, AND 10 SMALL FLIES ON THE WALLS OF THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2050624 DATED ON 5/18/17; 33 - THE INTERIOR OF THE OVENS, DEEP FRYERS AND THE EXTERIOR OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT HAS OLD BURNED FOOD MATTER, GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOOR LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT CUSTOMER SERVICE/SERVING COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL LOCATED BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITH A BLACK SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
May 18, 2017
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR/FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA HAS DEEP, DARK GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS. MUST KEEP A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. -THE DETERGENT/SANITIZER HOSE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IS TOO LONG, IT SITS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE COMPARTMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO SHORTEN SO THAT THE HOSE DOES NOT TOUCH THE WATER IN EACH COMPARTMENTS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE DETERGENT/SANITIZER HOSE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK HAS A THICK BLACK LIKE SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THEM. THE NOZZLES ON THE SODA MACHINE NEEDS CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN TO REMOVE. -THE INTERIOR OF THE OVENS, DEEP FRYERS AND THE EXTERIOR OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT HAS OLD BURNED FOOD MATTER, GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. ALSO, THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND THE FAN COVER HAS FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS AND THE FLOORS UNDER THE DISH MACHINE, AROUND THE COOKING/COOLING EQUIPMENT AND IN THE CORNERS HAS THICK BUILD UP OF DIRT, FOOD AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND THIS THICK GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP ON THE VENTILATION FILTERS AND THE VENTS UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD. ALSO, THE WALLS/CEILING IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA HAS DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. -MUST PROVIDE THE MISSING CEILING TILE IN FRONT OF THE DISH MACHINE. MAINTAIN ALL.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: THE LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IS OPENED. INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THERE IS A LEAK UNDER THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX. MAINTAIN SAME.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THERE ARE NO METAL STEM THERMOMETERS FOR TAKING INTERNAL TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. MAINTAIN SAME.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MOPS ARE NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO HANG UP TO DRY WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: PROOF THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS HAVE MET THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIREMENTS WERE NOT PROVIDED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
45
64
Sep 19, 2016
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: dust build-up noted on kitchen ceiling vents, instructed to clean and maintain.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: minor leak noted at bottom of hot water tank. instructed to repair.
38
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Waffles Chicago last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Waffles Chicago on file is from Mar 29, 2019. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Waffles Chicago?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Waffles Chicago.
Has Waffles Chicago's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Waffles Chicago have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Waffles 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.
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