Whales Fish & Chicken — Whales Fish Shrimp Chicken

3600 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60651
Seafood
Last inspected: Dec 23, 2014
82
Score
Low Risk

Across the available record, Whales Fish & Chicken — Whales Fish Shrimp Chicken has 15 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. The most recent visit was on Dec 23, 2014. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well. The file hasn't been updated since Dec 23, 2014, so take the current picture with that in mind.

Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around seven violations lately compared to roughly five violations before.

“Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing 14 times across the record.

That falls roughly in the middle of the pack for Chicago restaurants. The record is unremarkable in either direction.

15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 23, 2014
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 3- DOOR PREP COOLER & GLASS COOLER IN REAR.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LID OF GREASE TRAP AT 3- COMP SINK
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN WINDOW SILLS IN LOBBY,ROLLING CARTS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST GROUT FLOOR IN OLD WALK IN COOLER.MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER FRYERS .
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALLS IN TOILET ROOM.
35
82
Sep 3, 2014
Reinspection
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL SMALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 3- DOOR PREP COOLER & GLASS COOLER IN REAR,LID AND GASKETS ON LARGE CHEST FREEZER.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM FOOD STORAGE SHELF,WALK IN COOLER,PREP TABLES,LID OF GREASE TRAP AT 3- COMP SINK
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS,FOOD STORAGE BINS,MICROWAVE,WINDOW SILLS IN LOBBY,ROLLING CARTS.MUST DEFROST SMALL CHEST FREEZER
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST GROUT FLOOR IN OLD WALK IN COOLER.MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER FRYERS AND IN OLD WALK IN COOLER.MUST CLEAN FLOOR DRAIN IN WALK IN COOLER HEAVY FOOD BUILDUP
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR SOME STAINED CEILING TILES,LOOSE & MISSING WALL BASES IN TOILET ROOM,THRESHOLD AT FRONT DOOR.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALLS IN TOILET ROOM.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHT AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT 3- COMP SINK
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR SERVICE COUNTER COOLER
40
67
Aug 28, 2014
Complaint
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF WALK IN COOLER AT 48.0F WITH RAW FOOD PRODUCT STORED INSIDE FOR SALE.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT,ONCE REPAIRED FAX LETTER TO (312)746-4240.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING AT 40.0F OR BELOW.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW FOODS STORED INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES SUCH AS CHICKEN 48.6F,GIZZARDS 46.7F,LIVERS 46.1F,COLESLAW 47.6F.PRODUCT WAS DUMPED AND DENATURED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD FOODS AT 40.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 30LBS. $30.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
3
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL SMALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 3- DOOR PREP COOLER & GLASS COOLER IN REAR,LID AND GASKETS ON LARGE CHEST FREEZER.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM FOOD STORAGE SHELF,WALK IN COOLER,PREP TABLES,LID OF GREASE TRAP AT 3- COMP SINK.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS,FOOD STORAGE BINS,MICROWAVE,WINDOW SILLS IN LOBBY,ROLLING CARTS.MUST DEFROST SMALL CHEST FREEZER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST GROUT FLOOR IN OLD WALK IN COOLER.MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER FRYERS AND IN OLD WALK IN COOLER.MUST CLEAN FLOOR DRAIN IN WALK IN COOLER HEAVY FOOD BUILDUP.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR SOME STAINED CEILING TILES,LOOSE & MISSING WALL BASES IN TOILET ROOM,THRESHOLD AT FRONT DOOR.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALLS IN TOILET ROOM.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHT AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT 3- COMP SINK
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR SERVICE COUNTER COOLER.
40
61
Oct 9, 2013
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND RUSTED SHELVING IN WALK-IN COOLER INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO RESURFACE SHELVING TO A SMOOTH SURFACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR/ EXTERIOR OF THE COOLERS NEED A DETAIL CLEANING AND SO DO FAN COVERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND FRYERS HAS SOME GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FAUCET LEAKING AT AT EXPOSED HAND SINK NEXT TO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE THE FAUCET.
38
78
May 28, 2013
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF COOLERS REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING AND FAN COVERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: A BACKFLOW PRVENTION DEVICE IS NEEDED AT THE MOP SINK AREA AND CLEAN VENTILATION COVER INSIDE THE TOILET ROOM.
38
90
May 9, 2013
Complaint
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND THE EXPOSED HANDSINK AT REAR DISHWASHING/PREP AREA NOT MAINTAINED I.E.BROKEN HOT KNOB;NO HOT WATER AT FAUCET AT TIME OF INSPECTION.TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION.MUST FAX A LETTER TO THE CDPH 312-746-4240 WHEN HANDSINK IS REPAIRED TO GOOD WORKING CONDITION AND FOR TAG REMOVAL.CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
11
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FRONT DOOR TO THIS FOOD ESTABLISHMENT NOT RODENT-PROOFED 1/4" MODE OF ENTRY AT BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER.ALSO;THE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK IS INCOMPLETE MISSING A MAP LOCATOR TO IDENTIFY THE PEST CONTROL SERVICES PROVIDE FOR THIS ESTABLISHMENT.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE/REPAIR RUSTY SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF COOLERS REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING AND FAN COVERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER MUST BE SHIELDED.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: A BACKFLOW PRVENTION DEVICE IS NEEDED AT THE MOP SINK AREA AND CLEAN VENTILATION COVER INSIDE THE TOILET ROOM. BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE IS NEEDED FOR THE MOP SINK.
38
70
Mar 19, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD LINERS ON SHELVING IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE ALSO NOTED RUSTED SHELVING IN WALK-IN COOLER INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO RESURFACE SHELVING TO A SMOOTH SURFACE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER NEEDS CLEANING.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FAUCET LEAKING AT FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR.
38
86
Oct 22, 2012
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: SOME DUST OBSERVED AT BOTTOM REAR OF FRYER; CLEAN SAME.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR UNDER FRYERS IN REAR TO REMOVE SOME GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES OBSERVED.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES WHERE NEEDED AND CLEAN INTERIOR OF LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR TO REMOVE DUST AND INSECTS.
35
86
May 23, 2012
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Foods inside coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Storage shelves under front counter not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Floor along wallbase and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Ceiling tile damaged in areas. Instructed to replace all damaged ceiling tile. Several holes noted in walls thru-out. Instructed to remove foam and properly seal all holes
35
82
May 15, 2012
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 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 EVIDENCE OF 8 LIVE ANTS CRAWLING ON FLOOR IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA,UNDER PREP TABLE WHERE HOT HOLDING UNIT HAS ITALIAN BEEF HELD INSIDE,UNDER HAND SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA,UNDER GARBAGE CAN CART IN LOBBY AREA & SEVERAL DEAD IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 5/15/12.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Foods inside coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Storage shelves under front counter not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Floor along wallbase and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Ceiling tile damaged in areas. Instructed to replace all damaged ceiling tile. Several holes noted in walls thru-out. Instructed to remove foam and properly seal all holes
35
78
Jan 31, 2012
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Foods inside coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Storage shelves under front counter not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Floor along wallbase and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Ceiling tile damaged in areas. Instructed to replace all damaged ceiling tile. Several holes noted in walls thru-out. Instructed to remove foam and properly seal all holes.
35
82
Jan 24, 2012
Complaint
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities.OBSERVED FRONT COUNTER DESSERT DISPLAY UNIT AT 46.7F WITH READY TO EAT DESSERT,COLE SLAW INSIDE FOR SALE AT THIS TIME.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT .ONCE REPAIRED FAX LETTER TO (312)746-4240 WHEN READY.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)CITATION ISSUED.
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. All hot food shall be stored at a temperature of 140F or higher.OBSERVED PREPACKAGED READY TO EAT DESSERTS & COLE SLAW IN FRONT COUNTER DESSERT DISPLAY UNIT AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES COLE SLAW 46.8-47.7F,PARFAIT 44.6F-46.2F,PEACH COBBLER 45.2F,ASSORTED CAKES 46.8F-47.0.ALSO PRECOOKED CHICKEN IN LARGE PLASTIC BINS UNDER HEAT LAMP & ON LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE RANGING FROM 59.7F-100.3F.NO TIME & TEMPERATURE LOGS TO VIEW.PRODUCT WAS VOLUNTARILY DUMPED & DENATURED.APPX.30LBS.$71.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)CITATION ISSUED.
3
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: Adequate and convenient hand washing facilities shall be provided for all employees.OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS OR HAND DRYING DEVICES AT BOTH HAND SINKS IN PREP AREA & TOILET ROOM AT THIS TIME WHILE (CHICKEN,FISH,ETC.) IS BEING PREPARED & SERVED. EMPLOYEE STATES" PAPER TOWELS ARE LOCKED UP IN THE OFFICE".MUST PROVIDE HAND DRYING DEVICE AT ALL TIMES.(CRITICAL 7-38-030)CITATION ISSUED.
12
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance.OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED AT THIS TIME.OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER LIDS DAMAGED & PUSHED INTO DUMPSTER & TRASH & DEBRI ON GROUND AROUND DUMPSTER &GREASE ENCRUSTED ON LID OF OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LIDS,REMOVE GREASE & FOOD DEBRI & TRASH & MAINTAIN.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)CITATION ISSUED.
19
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Foods inside coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Storage shelves under front counter not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Floor along wallbase and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Ceiling tile damaged in areas. Instructed to replace all damaged ceiling tile. Several holes noted in walls thru-out. Instructed to remove foam and properly seal all holes.
35
67
Aug 11, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Foods inside coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Storage shelves under front counter not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor along wallbase and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ceiling tile damaged in areas. Instructed to replace all damaged ceiling tile. Several holes noted in walls thru-out. Instructed to remove foam and properly seal all holes.
35
82
Oct 4, 2010
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN SHELVES INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER VIOLATION STILL PENDING
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE OF WALK-IN COOLER VIOLATION STILL PENDING
34
90
Jan 19, 2010
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
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. MUST CLEAN SHELVES INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER
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. MUST CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE OF WALK-IN COOLER
34
90

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Whales Fish & Chicken — Whales Fish Shrimp Chicken last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Whales Fish & Chicken — Whales Fish Shrimp Chicken on file is from Dec 23, 2014. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Whales Fish & Chicken — Whales Fish Shrimp Chicken?

Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited 14 times, more than any other issue at Whales Fish & Chicken — Whales Fish Shrimp Chicken.

Has Whales Fish & Chicken — Whales Fish Shrimp Chicken's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Whales Fish & Chicken — Whales Fish Shrimp Chicken have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Whales Fish & Chicken — Whales Fish Shrimp Chicken means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.