Willie Lill's
Last inspected: Feb 24, 2026
70
Score
Going back to 2023, Willie Lill's has eight inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Feb 24, 2026. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around five violations lately and about 10 violations before that.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded six times.
Willie Lill's latest score of 70 falls below the Chicago average of 81. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 24, 2026
Complaint
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: BULK FOOD MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NOTED THE REAR EXIT DOOR WITH AN OPEN 1 INCH GAP ON THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL ON THE DOOR.
38
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE 2ND FLOOR STORAGE AREAS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER INSIDE THE WAFFLE FRY BOX FREEZER.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED PILED WOODEN 2X4"S ON THE REAR PATIO GARBAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER THE DISH MACHINE, THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, WALK-IN FREEZER WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MANAGER CLEANED DURING THE INSPECTION.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO CURRENT VALID CERTIFICATES FOR SEVERAL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
57
70
Sep 30, 2025
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ESTABLISHMENT PROVIDING FOOD FROM THEIR KITCHEN FOR LIVE DOGS ON THEIR WEBSITE. FOOD SUCH AS CHICKEN BREAST, CARROTS, HAMBURGER PATTY AND WHIPPED CREAM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DOG MENU FROM WEBSITE. INSTRUCTED STAFF CANNOT PREPARE OR SERVE FOOD TO LIVE ANIMALS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-40-060. OPERATOR REMOVED DOG MENU FROM WEBSITE DURING INSPECTION.
38
90
Sep 25, 2024
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11//NOTED FLOORS IN DISHROOM, IN KITCHEN AT COOKS LINE AND IN DRY STORAGE/ ICE MACHINE ROOM NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13//NOTED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
58
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12//NOTED WET AND DRY BULK INGREDIENTS AT COOKS LINE AND PREP STATION WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS OF COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.14//NOTED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C)//NOTED COMPARTMENTS UNDER ALL KITCHEN FRYERS WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
49
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: 5-501.116//NOTED TOP OF GREASE RECEPTACLE AND THE GROUND UNDERNEATH ALL RECEPTACLES IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
54
74
Sep 17, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Food in good condition, safe, & unadulterated
Inspector notes: NOTED TWO DEAD MOSQUITOS ON ROTTING TOMATOES IN FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AT COOKS LINE COLD-HOLDING UNIT. PERSON IN CHARGE DISCARDED AND DENATURED PRODUCT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-40-050(A) CITATION ISSUED
13
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SLICED CHEESE 44.0 F, SLICED TOMATOES 48.8 F, SHREDDED LETTUCE 48.7 F, MAYO 48 F, COOKED PASTA 56.9, IN COOKS LINE COLD-HOLDING UNIT AND COOKED SHREDDED CHICKEN AT 53.3 IN WALK-IN COOLER. AT APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS VALUED $500 DISCARDED AND DENATURED BY THE PERSON IN CHARGE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
22
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED KITCHEN ICE MACHINE WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK AND PINK SLIME SUBSTANCE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE CUBES STORED AT BELOW ICE BIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
16
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE DIGITAL MENUS POSTED AT ALL TABLES FOR ALL ANIMAL FOOD PRODUCTS THAT CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS (EGGS ANY STYLE, STEAK, BEEF BURGERS, ETC.) THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW AND ADD A REMINDER ON THE MENU THAT READS: THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. CONSUMING UNDERCOOKED OR RAW FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. (REFER TO CDPH CONSUMER ADVISORY HANDOUT) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED."
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDSINK AT BAR AND IN DISHROOM NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT ALL HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASH SINKS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: NOTED WET AND DRY BULK INGREDIENTS AT COOKS LINE AND PREP STATION WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS OF COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: NOTED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED COMPARTMENTS UNDER ALL KITCHEN FRYERS WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
49
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED TOP OF GREASE RECEPTACLE AND THE GROUND UNDERNEATH ALL RECEPTACLES IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED FLOORS IN DISHROOM, IN KITCHEN AT COOKS LINE AND IN DRY STORAGE/ ICE MACHINE ROOM NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
58
39
Sep 22, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15--- THE SODA GUN HOLDER AT THE SOUTH END OF THE BAR IS NOT CONNECTED TO A DRAINAGE LINE. MUST PROVIDE DRAINAGE TO A FLOOR DRAIN.
51
95
Sep 15, 2023
Complaint
3 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 16 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES OR SUCH A PERSON ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NO QUATERNARY CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON PREMISES FOR THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK SANITIZER BEING USED. ALSO, CHLORINE TEST PAPERS ON SITE WITHOUT THE INDICATOR LEVEL GUIDE. MUST PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
48
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: COOK NOTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD PREPARERS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS THROUGHOUT ALL PREP AREAS MUST BE HELD IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP AT THE ICE MACHINE MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER. NOT ON TOP OF THE MACHINE.
43
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: UPPER PLASTIC SHOOT INSIDE BOTH THE ICE MACHINES IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOODS NOT STORED IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS: SALT ETC. MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES, IN HALLWAYS, PREP AREAS, UNDER THE STAIRWELL, AND UPSTAIRS STORAGE MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIDS FOR ALL BAR ICE BINS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS. FLOORS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR CLEANING AND MONITORING.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: THE SODA GUN HOLDER AT THE SOUTH END OF THE BAR IS NOT CONNECTED TO A DRAINAGE LINE. MUST PROVIDE DRAINAGE TO A FLOOR DRAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS WITH DEBRIS, FOOD, AND GREASE ACCUMULATION: UNDER THE DISH MACHINE, UNDER COOKS LINE PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT AND COOLERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES THROUGHOUT THE 2ND FLOOR STORAGE MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES AND ALL OTHER NEED ITEMS STORED ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEE HANDBAG BEING STORED IN THE HALLWAY TO THE KITCHEN WITH FOOD CONTACT ITEMS MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE PERSONAL STORAGE AREA AWAY FROM FOODS AND FOOD CONTACT ITEMS.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
39
Feb 22, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 21, 2023
License
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL A HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER THAT PROPERLY DRAINS. SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK OR REQUIRED SERVICE/DOCUMENTATION ON THE PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED ROUGH, RAW WOOD BEHIND BAR WHERE DRINKS ARE PREPARED/SERVED. ALSO AT THE HAND WASHING STATIONS IN THE WASHROOMS.----WALL AT THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BAR WITH OPEN/UNSEALED PLASTER. MUST SEAL TO BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT.
55
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Willie Lill's last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Willie Lill's on file is from Feb 24, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Willie Lill's?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Willie Lill's.
Has Willie Lill's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Willie Lill's have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Willie Lill's 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 Willie Lill's inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Willie Lill's is inspected around three times per year on average.
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