Whale Tale
Last inspected: Mar 13, 2025
64
Score
Public records show 16 inspections at Whale Tale stretching back to 2010. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 13, 2025. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near four violations each time.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed”, showing up 11 times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Whale Tale on the weaker side. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 13, 2025
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOTH BATHROOMS (2) TO NOT HAVE SELF CLOSING DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT BOTH BATHROOMS MUST HAVE A SELF CLOSING DOOR.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WALL BUILT AROUND THE BATHROOMS NEXT TO THE FRONT PREP AREA IN 1ST FLOOR TO BE UNFINISHED AND ROUGH. RECENTLY CONSTRUCTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE IN PREP AREAS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL IN BASEMENT NEAR THE REAR EQUIPMENT/PARTS STORAGE AREA NEAR UTILITY SINK TO BE EXPOSED AND OPEN WITH STUDS EXPOSED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENCLOSE THE WALL AND ENSURE ALL STUDS AND JOISTS ARE NOT EXPOSED IN AREAS SUBJECT TO MOISTURE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING BASEBOARD ALONG FLOOR JUNCTIONS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA IN REAR NEAR THE EQUIPMENT/PARTS STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVING/REPLACE MISSING BASEBOARD AT ALL FLOOR AND WALL JUNCTURES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 MISSING FILTERS ABOVE THE PIZZA OVEN IN THE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA, CREATING LARGE GAPS ON BOTH ENDS OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND ENSURE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS IN ADEQUATE REPAIR.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. ONLY MANAGER CERTIFICATE PROVIDED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAINTAIN PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ANY FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES.
57
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNIFINISHED WOOD USED TO PROP UP SHELF IN THE 1 DOOR SMALL REACH IN FREEZER NEXT TO THE FRYERS IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL/REPLACE WITH A SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE, AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK FROM DRAIN OF HAND SINK LOCATED AT FRONT OF UPSTAIRS PREP AREA, LEAKING INTO BASEMENT CEILING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE LEAKING HAND AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SINK SOLELY USED FOR FOOD PREPARATION, OBTAINING WATER, AND DISCARDING LIQUID IN THE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. TWO (2) HAND SINKS ARE PRESENT; NO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IS PRESENT. MANAGEMENT REMOVED EXISTING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT PRIOR CDPH CONSULTATION DURING REMODEL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AT MINIMUM ONE SINK SUPPLIED WITH HOT AND COLD WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE SOLELY USED FOR FOOD PREPARATION, OBTAINING WATER, AND DISCARDING LIQUID IN THE 1ST FLOOR PREPARATION AREA.
51
64
Mar 8, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE SHELVING.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL OPENINGS INTO CEILING ABOVE PREP TABLES IN BASEMENT ALSO OBSERVED LARGE OPENINGS INTO WALLS BEHIND FOOD PREP TABLES IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA AND ON WALL LEADING TO BASEMENT MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASY CLEANABLE.
55
86
Apr 29, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 14, 2020
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: RUSTY SHELF UNDER THE CAN OPENER UNIT NOT EASILY CLEANABLE.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS NEED TO PROVIDE AN ENCLOSED ICE SCOOP FOR THE SCOOP PRESENTLY USED AT BAR FIRST FLOOR AND ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT AREA
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: WELDED DIVIDER AT COMPARTMENT AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IS RUSTED(KITCHEN),INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND RE-WELD DIVIDER WITH NON-RUSTY MATERIAL(USE GALVANIZE MATERIAL)OR REPLACE SAID SINK.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM IS BROKEN, REPLACE LID .
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: GRIME ON RUBBER MAT ON FLOOR UNDER THE LARGE DOUGH MIXER.MATTING MUST BE WASHABLE/CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: EXCESS UNUSED ITEMS IN GARAGE AREA: DISHES,POTS,CHAIRS,ETC.INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND ELEVATE ITEMS NEEDED 6"OFF THE FLOOR.
55
78
Jan 14, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper disposition of returned, previously served, reconditioned & unsafe food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WHITE AND GRAYISH BLUE, MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON TOP SURFACE OF TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD, PIZZA SAUCE, STORED IN WALK IN COOLER, WITH OTHER FOODS: 58LBS OF TOMATO BASED PIZZA SAUCE, $20.00 INFORMED MANAGER THAT UNSAFE OR SPOILED FOODS SHALL BE DISCARDED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD SPOILED OR UNSAFE FOODS. MANAGER CORRECTED VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION AND DISCARDED AND DENATURED 58LBS, AT A VALUE OF $20.00 PRIORITY VIOLATION # 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
17
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURES ON SITE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED: READY TO EAT AND TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS, PIZZA SAUCE, ETC. STORED IN COOLERS WITHOUT PROPER LABEL/DATE. INFORMED MANAGER THAT READY TO EAT AND TIME AND/TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE PROPERLY LABEL WITH DATE AND COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DATE AND COMMON NAME/DATE. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO IDENTIFY BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE ON ICE MACHINE AT BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO IDENTIFY AND OR INSTALL BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST AND GREASE BUILD ON HOOD FILTERS ABOVE COOK LINE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
56
61
Aug 2, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE TAPE OFF CORNER OF DISH MACHINE, TAPE IS PROHIBITED ON EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AS NEEDED AND, DEFROST DEEP FREEZER IN BASEMENT, EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION PRESENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND DUST ACCUMULATION FROM FILTERS AND HOOD. CLEAN DUST FROM CEILING VENTS IN MENS AND WOMENS TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN UNKNOWN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELD IN MENS TOILET ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN
36
86
Jun 30, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE TAPE OFF CORNER OF DISH MACHINE, TAPE IS PROHIBITED ON EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AS NEEDED AND, DEFROST DEEP FREEZER IN BASEMENT, EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION PRESENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND DUST ACCUMULATION FROM FILTERS AND HOOD. CLEAN DUST FROM CEILING VENTS IN MENS AND WOMENS TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN UNKNOWN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELD IN MENS TOILET ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
36
86
Aug 12, 2016
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM STORAGE SHELVES IN BASEMENT.MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT MOPSINK NEXT TO ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM FLOOR IN GARAGE STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES UNDER PIZZA OVEN.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN PREP AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE & MOPSINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,ORGANIZE AND CLEAN ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN GARAGE STORAGE AREA.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN
45
74
Aug 5, 2016
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN BAR AREA.MUST REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN PREP AREA
36
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER DISH MACHINE AND IN GARAGE STORAGE AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES UNDER PIZZA OVEN
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE & MOPSINK.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCETS AT MOP SINK
38
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP AT WALL BASE BEHIND PIZZA OVEN,HOLES IN CEILING IN PREP AREA,LOOSE WALL BASE UNDER BAR 3- COMP SINK.
35
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER LIDS IN POOR REPAIR ,LIDS ARE BROKEN AND APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN GNAWED ON.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER LIDS TO BE TIGHT FITTING.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
19
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM STORAGE SHELVES IN BASEMENT.MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT MOPSINK NEXT TO ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT.MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SHELVING UNITS IN LIQUOR STORAGE AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM PREP COOLER,DISH RACKS,EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP IN BASEMENT.MUST DEFROST CHEST FREEZER.MUST DELIME DISH MACHINE.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,ORGANIZE AND CLEAN ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN GARAGE STORAGE AREA.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN
45
64
Jul 17, 2015
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR OF REACH IN BEER COOLERS WITH RUST. MUST RESTORE SURFACE TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY SHELF OF PREP TABLE WITH HOLE IN IT. REMOVE OR REPAIR SHELF AND RESTORE TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURACE.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER WITH DARK GROOVES AND UNABLE TO COME CLEAN. REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON REFRIGERATORS ON COOKING LINE REPAIRED WITH TAPE. REMOVE TAPE AND REPLACE ALL TORN GASKETS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNCLEAN INTERIOR OF BEER COOLERS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL COVINGS/BASEBOARDS NEEDED UNDER BAR AND IN BASEMENT. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN BASEBOARDS TO DETER ANDY ROACH ENTRANCE.
35
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VENTS ABOVE COOKING LINE WITH HEAVY GREASE ACCUMULATION. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL VENTS ABOVE COOKING LINE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VENTILATION SYSTEM IN WOMENS OR MENS WASHROOM. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN WORKING VENTILATION SYSTEM IN WASHROOMS.
38
67
Jun 20, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH READY TO EAT FOOD INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: ALL CLEAN UTENSILS POTS ,PANS,TRAYS, MUST BE STORED UPSIDE/DOWN INVERTED.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST THE REACH IN FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT(WITH HEAVY ICE ACCUMULATED) AND MAINTAIN.
32
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST RE ADJUST THE SELF CLOSER DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOOR( BOTH WASHROOMS).
37
No smoking regulations
Inspector notes: NO "NO SMOKING " SIGN ANYWHERE AND ON ALL ENTRANCE DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL ENTRANCE DOORS MUST HAVE POSTING OF "NO SMOKING" SIGN. CITATION ISSUED CLEAN AIR INDOOR ORDINANCE,7-32-020(B).
70
78
Aug 15, 2013
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 6, 2013
Routine
13 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: NO PAPER TOWELS OR HAND DRYING DEVICES AT BOTH EXPOSED HAND SINKS AND IN WOMANS WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT PURCHASED DURING INSPECTION BY ORDER OF THIS INSPECTOR. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
12
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER PRESENT DURING INSPECTION WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED SUCH AS MARINARA SAUCE ON STOVE TOP AT 159.1F. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
21
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: NO SUMMARY REPORT POSTED ON PREMISES FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION MADE ON 10-5-11 AND POSTED BY THIS INSPECTOR. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-010(B).
28
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM 10-5-11 NOT CORRECTED. #35-WALLS AT BASEMENT PREP WITH LARGE OPEN HOLES. MUST SEAL. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL PREPARED FOODS IN WALK-IN COOLER MUST BE LABELED AND DATED AND BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: TABLE TOP CAN OPENER WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE PAPER OR CLOTH TOWELS AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT KITCHEN. CRACKED PLASTIC LID ON BULK FOOD CONTAINER MUST BE REPLACED.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: BASEMENT GREASE TRAP WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE ON AND AROUND. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FOR FLOOR ON COOKS LINE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOOD SPLATTER ON WALL AT TWO DOOR PREP COOLER ON COOKS LINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. HOLE IN CEILING AT REAR STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT. MUST SEAL.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD IN WALK-IN COOLER AND LIGHT SHIELDS AND SHIELD END CAPS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE STOPPERS FOR ALL THREE COMPARTMENTS OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE VENTILATION FOR OVEN IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEES IN FOOD PREP AREA MUST WEAR HAT/HAIR RESTRAINT.
42
52
Oct 5, 2011
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
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.WALLS AT BASEMENT PREP WITH LARGE OPEN HOLES. MUST SEAL.
35
95
Sep 28, 2011
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. OBSERVED 10 LIVE ROACHES ON SHELVING AT CLEAN DISH STORAGE UNDER DISH MACHINE. SHELVING IN POOR REPAIR WITH RAW WOOD, OPEN CRACKS CREVICES AND FOOD DEBRIS THROUGHOUT AREA. WALLS AROUND DISH AREA WITH GREASE AND FOOD SPLATTER. INTERIOR DISH MACHINE DIRTY WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS. HOLES IN WALLS UNDER DISH MACHINE AND MISSING, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT DISH SPRAY ARM SINK. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE PEST CONTROL CO. SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT TO ELIMINATE/MINIMIZE ALL ROACH ACTIVITY. CLEAN ALL EFFECTED AREAS. MAKE ALL SHELVING SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE. SEAL ALL HOLES, OPENINGS, CRACKS, CREVICES. REAR EXIT DOOR OF KITCHEN WITH OPEN ONE INCH GAP ON BOTTOM OF DOOR. MUST PROVIDE RODENT PROOF STRIP WITH TIGHT FITTING SEAL.
18
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. KITCHEN EXPOSED HAND SINK WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
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. FLOOR UNDER ICE MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. POOLING WATER ON BASEMENT REAR STORAGE ROOM. MUST REMOVE AND REMAIN DRY.
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. WALLS AT COFFEE STATION,BUS PAN STATION, EXPOSED HAND SINK AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AREA DIRTY WITH FOOD SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN. WALLS AT BASEMENT PREP WITH LARGE OPEN HOLES. MUST SEAL.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS AND END CAPS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP AND INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE/PROVIDE.
36
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. LEAK UNDER KITCHEN EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST REPAIR.
38
74
Mar 8, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 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. BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT MUST BE LABELED.
30
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.RUSTED WIRE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER MUST BE PAINTED, REPLACED OR REMOVE ALL RUST.
32
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. WALL AT KITCHEN PREP COOLER WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD SPLATTER, MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Whale Tale last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Whale Tale on file is from Mar 13, 2025. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Whale Tale?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at Whale Tale.
Has Whale Tale's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Whale Tale have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Whale Tale 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 Whale Tale inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Whale Tale is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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