Willies N' Waffles
Last inspected: May 9, 2025
90
Score
Public records show eight inspections at Willies N' Waffles stretching back to 2022. The latest inspection on file is from May 9, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around four violations lately and about 10 violations before that.
Across the inspection history, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded nine times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Willies N' Waffles is comfortably above that bar. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 9, 2025
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS A LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2-DOOR TALL REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP AREA AND 1DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA NOT IN USE. MUST REPAIR OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES. OBSERVED CLUTTER AND CARDBOARD BOXES INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM AND REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
55
90
May 2, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE AND DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDER RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
25
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE IN REAR FOOD STORAGE ARE AND UNDERNEATH DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK LOCTED IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED IN DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROPERLY STORE STORED SCOOPS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS A LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTE TO INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR AND TO MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2-DOOR TALL REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP AREA AND 1DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA NOT IN USE. MUST REPAIR OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES. OBSERVED CLUTTER AND CARDBOARD BOXES INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM AND REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
55
64
Aug 13, 2024
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: : 6-201.11--- FLOORS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AND LEADING TO THE REAR DISH AREA IN POOR REPAIR WITH LARGE DIVOTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE CEILING VENTS LEADING TO THE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: 4-901.11--- ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.11(B, C, D, E)----BROKEN GLASS DOOR ON THE TWO DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
47
86
Aug 9, 2024
Reinspection
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS FROM 7-31-24 REPORT #2598411 NOT CORRECTED #48- NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO MONITOR THE SANITIZATION LEVEL AT THE CHLORINE CHEMICAL DISH WASHING MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE. #54-OBSERVED THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE AND GREASE CONTAINER IN THE ALLEY WITH EXCESSIVE WASTE, FOOD DEBRIS, BAGS OF FOOD WASTE AND GARBAGE OVERFLOWING FROM THE CONTAINER AND UNABLE TO CLOSE THE LID. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL, CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND MAINTAIN.#60- PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 7-28-23 REPORT #2579213 NOT CORRECTED.#55-INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE, UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT, AND THE FRONT COUNTER AND MAINTAIN.#58-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.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
59
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: 4-901.11--- ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.11(B, C, D, E)----BROKEN GLASS DOOR ON THE TWO DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: -PEELING SELF-ADHESIVE PAPER LINING THE SHELVES AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP, MUST BE REMOVED. SHELVING MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: : 6-201.11--- FLOORS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AND LEADING TO THE REAR DISH AREA IN POOR REPAIR WITH LARGE DIVOTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----FLOOR UNDER THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK, AROUND THE HOT WATER TANK AND DISH MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE DIRT AND DEBRIS.----EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE CEILING VENTS LEADING TO THE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.-
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13--- NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
70
Jul 31, 2024
Routine
7 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISH AREA IS NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE FROM THE REAR KITCHEN COOKS LINE. SINK ACCESS BEING BLOCKED BY COOLERS AND METAL RACK SHELVING. MUST REMOVE SHELVING/COOLERS TO PROVIDE EASY ACCESS TO THE SINK OR INSTALL A HAND WASHING SINK ON THE COOKS LINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 7-28-23 REPORT #2579213 NOT CORRECTED.#55-INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE, UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT, AND THE FRONT COUNTER AND MAINTAIN.#47-NOTED UNFINISHED WOOD USED TO MOUNT POTATO CUTTER ON THE WALL AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A NON-POROUS WOOD THAT ARE EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAINED.#58-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.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO MONITOR THE SANITIZATION LEVEL AT THE CHLORINE CHEMICAL DISH WASHING MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
48
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES OR PROOF OF ENROLLMENT/COMPLETION FOR CLASS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE AND GREASE CONTAINER IN THE ALLEY WITH EXCESSIVE WASTE, FOOD DEBRIS, SPILLED GREASE ON THE GROUNDS SURROUNDING THE CONTAINERS, GREASE SPILLAGE ON THE GREASE CONTAINER AND A DIRTY, USED GREASE BUCKET HANGING ON CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL, CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED.
54
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HANDWASHING LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA WHERE FOODS SUCH AS WAFFLES, FROZEN DRINKS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS THAT PROPERLY DRAINS OR REMOVE ALL FOOD PREPARATION ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST NOT STORE CLEAN UTENSILS DIRECTLY OVER THE HAND WASHING SINK.
39
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: BROKEN GLASS DOOR ON THE TWO DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE ELECTRICAL TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR OR GUARD ON THE COOKS LINE COOLER LID.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL RAW WOODEN SHELVING IN THE DISH AREA/FRIE SLICING PREP MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED TO SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT.----PEELING SELF-ADHESIVE PAPER LINING THE SHELVES AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP, TINFOIL ON THE COOKS LINE SHELVING, CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING, ALL MUST BE REMOVED. SHELVING MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AND LEADING TO THE REAR DISH AREA IN POOR REPAIR WITH LARGE DIVOTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----FLOOR UNDER THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK, AROUND THE HOT WATER TANK AND DISH MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE DIRT AND DEBRIS.----EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE CEILING VENTS LEADING TO THE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----PREVIOUSLY PATCHED OPENING IN THE WASHROOM CEILING WITH OPEN GAPS/CREVICES. MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND ALL OPENINGS SEALED.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
33
Jul 28, 2023
Complaint
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 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
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED INDIVIDUAL TO-GO DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS USED FOR SCOOPING SERVING FOOD AT THE SERVICE PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TONGS, SERVING SPOONS, OR LADLES FOR SCOOPING FOOD.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED UNFINISHED WOOD USED TO MOUNT POTATOE CUTTER ON THE WALL AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A NON-POROUS WOOD THAT ARE EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAINED.
47
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY AND RUSTY GREASE TRAP UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
52
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE, UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT, AND THE FRONT COUNTER AND MAINTAIN.
55
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
61
Mar 27, 2023
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: NOTED BULK FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE CONTAINERS AT THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED FOIL PAPER USED TO LINE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL FOIL PAPER TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE PREP SERVICE COOLER AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED THE MECHANICAL STOPPER AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE KITCHEN PREP IN POOR REPAIRS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THROUGH OUT THE KITCHEN ESPECIALLY ALONG WALL BASE, UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, HEATING UNIT AREA, BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH THICK GREACE AND DIRT.ALSO NOTD MULTIPLE CRACKS ON FLOOR THROUGH OUT. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.
56
67
Mar 4, 2022
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3-DOOR REACH-IN PREP COOLER AND 1-DOOR PREP COOLER RUBBER DOOR GASKETS RIPPED/NOT TIGHT FITTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPLACE DAMAGED GASKETS AND MAKE GASKETS TIGHT FITTED FOR SAID COOLERS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST BUILD UP ON PREP AREA COOLERS CONDENSERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: VENTILATION HOOD AND HOOD FILTERS WITH FOOD/GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND HOOD FILTERS.
49
Previous core violation corrected
60
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Willies N' Waffles last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Willies N' Waffles on file is from May 9, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Willies N' Waffles?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Willies N' Waffles.
Has Willies N' Waffles' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Willies N' Waffles have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Willies N' Waffles 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 Willies N' Waffles inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Willies N' Waffles is inspected around three times per year on average.
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