Wakamono
Last inspected: Jun 25, 2025
61
Score
Across the available record, Wakamono has 14 inspections on file, the first dated 2014. The most recent report on file is from Jun 25, 2025. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around five violations per visit versus roughly two violations earlier in the record.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “insects, rodents, & animals not present”, showing up six times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Wakamono on the weaker side. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
14
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 25, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO (2) DOOR PREP COOLER AT SUSHI PREP AREA TO CURRENTLY BE NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY, WITH THE UNIT COLD HOLDING AT 46.5F. UNIT WAS NOT IN USE AT TIME OF INSPECTION AND A SIGN WAS AFFIXED TO THE FRONT. PREP TWO (2) DOOR COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL ENTIRE COOLER/EQUIPMENT IS ABLE TO MAINTAIN TEMPERATURES OF AT LEAST 41F AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. PRIORITY VIOLATION, 7-38-005.
33
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SINGLE DOOR TO THE REAR ALLEY/GANGWAY EXIT ON THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE KITCHEN TO HAVE A GAP LARGER THAN 1/4 INCH ALONG THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PEST PROOF THE REAR EXIT DOOR.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS BOXED ITEMS, FOOD ITEMS, AND BOXED DRINKS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE LIQUOR ROOM LOCATED BEHIND THE CAMOFLOUGED DOOR ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF THE FACILITY. ALSO OBSERVED VARIOUS FOOD ITEMS ON THE FLOOR IN THE OBSERVED VARIOUS BOXES OF SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA THAT IS LOCATED OFF THE LIQUOR ROOM BEHIND THE CAMOFLOUGED DOOR ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF THE FACILITY. MUST PASS THROUGH LIQUOR ROOM TO ACCESS DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS TOOLS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOXES OF UTENSILS, AND PANS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA THAT IS LOCATED OFF THE LIQUOR ROOM BEHIND THE CAMOFLOUGED DOOR ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF THE FACILITY. MUST PASS THROUGH LIQUOR ROOM TO ACCESS DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS IN DRY STORAGE ROOM AT LEAST 6 INCHES.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS BOXES OF SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA THAT IS LOCATED OFF THE LIQUOR ROOM BEHIND THE CAMOFLOUGED DOOR ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF THE FACILITY. MUST PASS THROUGH LIQUOR ROOM TO ACCESS DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
45
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HAND SINK NEXT TO THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE MAIN PREP AREA NEXT TO DISH MACHINE TO BE SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE HAND SINK AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, UNMARKED BAGS, AND BOXES STORED ON TOP OF EACH OTHER AND DISORGANIZED IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA THAT IS LOCATED OFF THE LIQUOR ROOM BEHIND THE CAMOFLOUGED DOOR ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF THE FACILITY. MUST PASS THROUGH LIQUOR ROOM TO ACCESS DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ORGANIZE THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE ANY ITEMS THAT ARE UNNECESSARY TO FUNCTION OF FACILITY.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE OF TWO LIGHTS IN THE SUSHI PREP AREA EXHAUST HOOD TO NOT BE FUNCTIONAL AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE LIGHT TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN PREP AREA.
56
61
Jun 3, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT DOORS SWEEPS BETWEEN 3313 N BROADWAY DOUBLE DOORS. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOORS.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME RUBBER DOOR GASKETS RIPPED AT SUSH PREP AND REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE ALL DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BAR HANDWASH SINK DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
51
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST UPDATE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
57
82
Aug 22, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE 2-DOOR SUSHI PREP COOLER- TUNA AT 49.1 F, EGGS AT 49.0 F, TOBIKO 49.0 F, IKURA 49.0 F, MAYO SAUCE 49.0 F, WASABI MAYO AT 49.0 F. WEIGHT OF FOODS DISCARDED- 5 LBS, VALUED AT $250.00. HOWEVER FOUND SAID REACH IN COOLER AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE AT 41.0 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0 F OR BELOW IF HELD COLD. ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE TCS FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
22
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST/GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND HOOD FILTERS. MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD/FILTERS AND MAINTAIN.
49
82
Jun 2, 2022
Complaint
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: UPON ON ARRIVAL OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE WITH BARE HANDS HANDLING SUSHI FOODS: FRESH TUNA AND SALMON. UNWRAPPED MENTIONED FOOD AND, WITH BARE HANDS, PICKED THEM UP AND STORED THEM IN CONTAINERS INSIDE THE SUSHI COOLER. NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOODS. MUST USE SINGLE-USE FOOD UTENSILS, TONGS, OR GLOVE HANDS. THE MANAGER CORRECTED THE ISSUE. PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-010,CITATION ISSUED
9
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED -
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO ORIGINAL AND VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WAS POSTED NOR PROVIDED ON-SITE FOR THE PRESENT MANAGER ON DUTY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. A LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WHEN FOOD IS HANDLED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION: 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED.
2
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
67
May 11, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER OR THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITIATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTIONETC. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO SANITIATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
1
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
78
Sep 22, 2020
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 15, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NOTED ESTABLISHMENT SERVING UNDERCOOKED FOOD ITEMS (SUSHI) WITH NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, DISCLOSURE OR REMINDERS TO THE CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH A DISCLOSURE NOTICE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005.
25
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP AREA BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS.
37
86
May 14, 2019
Routine
5 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION FOLLOWING THE NEW CODE AND GUIDELINES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE VERIFICATION OF POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: MANAGEMENT UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING UP VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ONE INCLUDING THE CHEMICALS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: NOTED TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME AND USED BY DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005(A). NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NOTED ESTABLISHMENT SERVING UNDERCOOKED FOOD ITEMS (SUSHI) WITH NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, DISCLOSURE OR REMINDERS TO THE CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH A DISCLOSURE NOTICE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY
25
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: NOTED EXPIRED SUSHI LAB ANALYSES TEST LETTER DATED 11/9/2007. INSTRUCTED TO UPDATE THE LAB ANALYSES LETTER OR OBTAIN A TEST KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY
29
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED LEAKAGE AT THE BOTTOM PIPING OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.ALSO NOTED FAUCET OF THE WOMEN'S BATHROOM IN POOR REPAIR WITH BROKEN FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH COOKING STOVE WITH DIRT AND GREASE.
55
55
Apr 2, 2018
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: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY. MUST STORE INVERTED.
31
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT ICE MACHINE WATERLINE. MUST PROVIDE.
38
90
Jul 17, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD ON RIGHT SIDE OF HAND SINK THAT IS IN FRONT OF THE STORAGE WELL WHERE BOTTLES FOR WATER ARE STORED.
32
95
Sep 2, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PEELING PAINT ON THE BOTTOM SURFACE OF THE METAL THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REMOVE PEELING PAINT. RUSTED METAL RACK SHELVING INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE RUST, RE-PAINT/RESEAL SHELVING. MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN NEXT TO THE ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MISSING GROUT BETWEEN FLOOR TILES AT THE KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. OPEN CRACK/CREVICE IN THE FLOOR BASEBOARD UNDER THE DISH MACHINE. MUST REPAIR/SEAL ALL.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS UNDER THE BAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS 6" OR ABOVE.
41
86
Nov 3, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: BAR EXPOSED HANDWASH BOWL DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ROD OUT PIPE.
38
95
Oct 27, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 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 2 LIVE ROACHES AT SUSHI PREP AREA AND 1 LIVE ROACH AT REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL INSECT ACTIVITY BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS/DUST BUILD UP ON SHELVES AT REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SHELVES AND MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: BAR EXPOSED HANDWASH BOWL DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ROD OUT PIPE.
38
86
Jul 17, 2014
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FRONT EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK AT FRONT SUSHI BAR IS DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Wakamono last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Wakamono on file is from Jun 25, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Wakamono?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Wakamono.
Has Wakamono's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Wakamono have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Wakamono means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Wakamono inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Wakamono is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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