White Castle System
Last inspected: Mar 20, 2026
95
Score
Going back to 2011, White Castle System has 15 inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Mar 20, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around six violations to closer to two violations per visit over the last few inspections.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited 11 times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting White Castle System on the better side of that line. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 20, 2026
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED SHELVING AND FLOORS THROUGHOUT FACILITY WITH SOIL AND DEBRIS BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
95
Mar 17, 2026
Complaint
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOTH TOILET ROOMS WITH HOT WATER TEMPERATURES FLUCTUATING BETWEEN 60-74 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL HAND WASHING SINKS HAVE A CONSISTENT MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100 F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER AND ORIGINAL CERTICATE ARE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SHELVING AND FLOORS THROUGHOUT FACILITY WITH SOIL AND DEBRIS BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
Jan 17, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
95
Jan 10, 2025
Complaint
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2571790 DATED 2/27/2023. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE AND KIT FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT ONE PAGER AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROCEDURE AND KIT CONTAINING ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
5
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER TESTING DEVICES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DIRT, FOOD DEBRIS, GREASE, AND GRIME ON SIDES OF EQUIPEMENT, INTERIOR OF FRYER CABINETS, ON SOFT DRINK DISPENSER, AND FLOORS, WALLS, AND CEILINGS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DUST ON LIGHT SHIELDS, CEILING TILES, AND VENT ON REAR CEILING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
61
Feb 27, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS.(HANDLES RAW BEEF, CHEESE,ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-012.MUST PROVIDE.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PERSON IN CHARGE WITH NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE.
1
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN:SHELVES INSIDE WALK IN COOLER, SINKS, AND INTERIOR OF COOLERS.MUST CLEAN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND BROKEN WALL COVING BY 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND BY HAND SINK.MUST REPAIR.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO FOODHANDLER CERTIFICATES.MUST PROVIDE.
57
74
Dec 27, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOLER CONTAINING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS INCLUDING CHEESE FOR BURGERS AND SANDWICHES AT 57F. COOLER WAS TAGGED DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOLER CONTAINING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS INCLUDING CHEESE FOR BURGERS AND SANDWICHES AT 58F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
22
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ONE ON SITE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS ARE BEING SERVED INCLUDING CHICKEN AND BEEF. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.
2
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BACK FLOW DEVICE COULD NOT BE LOCATED ON WATER INTAKE LINE OF FRONT COFFEE MACHINE. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON WATER LINE.
51
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER WITHIN SMALL REACH IN COOLER ON COOKING LINE. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN WORKING THERMOMETERS.
36
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GASKETS ON ALL REACH IN COOLERS NEED TO BE CLEANED AND MAINTAINED. OBSERVED PLASTIC TIES CAN NOT BE USED TO REPAIR SHELF ON REACH IN FREEZERS. REPAIR PROPERLY AND MAINTAIN.
49
58
Feb 23, 2021
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED INSIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER/LID.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 NOTED GREASE AND DUST BUILD-UP ON CEILING, ELECTRICAL LINES AND CAMERA ABOVE PREP/COOKING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-304.11 FOUND INOPERABLE MECHANICAL VENTILATION INSIDE MEN/WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
56
82
Feb 17, 2021
Routine
3 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: FOUND NO INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT (03-12-2019) POSTED ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, A SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 7-42-010 (B) NO CITATION ISSUED
61
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND (2) HANDWASHING SINK WATER TEMPERATURE OF 128F/135F (THROUGH A MIXING VALVE). INSTRUCTED MANAGER A HANDWASHING SINK MUST PROVIDE WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST 100F THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION (A HANDWASHING SINK SHALL HAVE A MAXIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 120F THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION). INSTRUCTED TO FIX. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) CITATION ISSUED
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS (WALK-IN COOLER/REACH-IN COOLERS).
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AROUND 2 DOOR REACH-IN FREEZER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO RECAULK OPENING AROUND/BEHIND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED INSIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER/LID.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CONDENSER FAN COVER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER AND INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED GREASE AND DUST BUILD-UP ON CEILING, ELECTRICAL LINES AND CAMERA ABOVE PREP/COOKING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION ABOVE REAR STORAGE AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND INOPERABLE MECHANICAL VENTILATION INSIDE MEN/WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
56
47
Mar 12, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: NO PREVIOUS SUMMARY REPORT POSTED ON SITE FROM REPORT #2069863,DATED 7/14/17. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE POSTED FOR CUSTOMER VIEW ON SITE. PROVIDED THE NEW SUMMARY REPORT TO POST ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B),CITATION ISSUED
61
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: RUBBEER GASKET ALONG THE DOOR OF THE WALK IN COOLER AND WALK IN FREEZER NEED DETAIL CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR AROUND THE WATER HEATER, GREASE TANK, UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Jul 14, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed torn refrigeration gaskets on all refrigerators. Instructed facility to replace and maintain.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Observed slight dirt accumulation in both ice machines. Instructed facility to clean, sanitize, and maintain.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Observed dirt and debris on the floor in various areas: around the water heater, under the fryers, and behind the refrigerators under the cooking lines. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed a small leak at the cold handle at the right faucet on the three compartment sink. Also observed a leak at the cold handle of the rear one compartment sink. Instructed facility to repair and maintain.
38
82
Nov 8, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE FOR (2)ICE MACHINE IN FRONT AND IN REAR PREP AREA.
38
95
Nov 1, 2016
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOUND INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH VISIBLE MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCES (PINK AND BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE) SEVERE BUILD-UP LIKELY TO CONTAMINATE THE ICE. INSTRUCTED TO EMPTY ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN (WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE) AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
16
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (EG HAMBURGER, CHEESE, CHICKEN ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: NO SUMMARY REPORT POSTED ON PREMISES AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, AN INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE POSTED VISIBLE AND DISPLAYED TO ALL CUSTOMERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010 (B)
28
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND RE CAULK WORN OUT CAULKING WITH BLACK MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS AND FREEZERS WITH FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION, PREP COUNTER TOPS WITH GREASE AND DUST ACCUMULATION.-----------MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRONT SIDES OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITH BLACK MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA AND ESPECIALLY FLOORS UNDERNEATH BEVERAGE DISPENSER MACHINE CABINET WITH EXCESSIVE BLACK MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP (DINING AREA).
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE FOR (2)ICE MACHINE IN FRONT AND IN REAR PREP AREA.
38
70
Aug 26, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSEREVED ACCUMULATED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS DOOR GASKETS, GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE FRYERS AND FOOD DEBRIS ON SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON PREP AREA FLOOR ALONG DRIVE THRU WINDOWS AND SPILLS ON FLOOR UNDER SODA MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK RIGHT SIDE FAUCET HOT WATER LEAKING AT BASE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER INSIDE PREP 1-DOOR CHICKEN REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THEROMETER FOR COOLER.
40
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
42
78
Apr 9, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE VENTILATION INSIDE THE BATHROOMS. ALSO INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FAN INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED ICE SCOOP ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOP IN A CLEAN SCOOP HOLDER OR CONTAINER.
43
90
May 24, 2011
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ventilation and ceiling tile in prep area above grill not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Backflow device at utility sink leaking. Instructed to repair backflow device to prevent leak.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Ice scoop not properly stored. Instructed to store in a sanitize holder or container.
43
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was White Castle System last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at White Castle System on file is from Mar 20, 2026. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at White Castle System?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at White Castle System.
Has White Castle System's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at White Castle System have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at White Castle System 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 White Castle System inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, White Castle System is inspected roughly once per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants