Will's Northwoods Inn
Last inspected: Jul 1, 2025
52
Score
Will's Northwoods Inn has been inspected 17 times since 2010. On Jul 1, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around six violations per visit lately, up from roughly two violations before.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing seven times across the record.
Will's Northwoods Inn's latest score of 52 falls below the Chicago average of 81. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
17
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 1, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED ON THE BASEMENT. OBSERVED RAW BURGERS AT INTERNAL TEMPERATURE RANGING BETWEEN 51.2F TO 52.7F AND RAW CHICKEN AT TEMPERATURE OF 49.9F TO 52.6F. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS AT TEMPERATURE OF 41.00F OR BELOW. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 90# OF FOOD VALUE OF $316. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE NOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVIE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS HAMBURGERS, CHICKEN WINGS ETC. INSTRUCTED ABOVE TO OPERATE WITH A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER AND PROVIDE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANIATION CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
1
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS IN FRONT AND OUTSIDE BAR AREAS AND INSIDE THE UNISEX CUSTOMERS/EMPLYEES WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE SIGNS OR POSTERS.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED OBSERVED FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR WITH A GAP BETWEEN DOOR AND FRAME. MUST MAKE DOOR RODENT PROOF TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF SINKS IN FRONT BAR AREAS AND ON PREP TABLES IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED INSIDE ICE BINS IN FRONT BAR AREA AND OUTSIDE BAR AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE SHELVING.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDE INSIDE THE UNISEX CUSTOMERS/EMPLYEES WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION VENTS AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
52
Aug 28, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN PREPARATION COOLER IN REAR KITCHEN: BURGERS AT 50.1F, CHICKEN AT 48.9F, MSAUSAGE AT 50.1F, AND EGGS AT 52.3F. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED ALL ITEMS AT TIME OF INSPECTION. APPROX. 15 LBS WITH A $75 VALUE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS COLD FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES.
22
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD AT THE HAND SINK IN THE REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD ON LEFT SIDE TO PREVENT AGAINST POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION.
39
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR EACH CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR EACH CERTIFIED MANAGER ON PREMISES.
58
78
Aug 29, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
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.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON WALLS, UTILITY CONNECTIONS AND EQUIPMENT SURFACES BEHIND COOKING LINE.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. GREASE INSIDE THE CABINET OF DEEP FRYERS.DETAIL CLEANINIG IS REQUIRED.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: (FACILITIES NOT IN GOOD REPAIR) REPLACE /REPAIR CEMENT FLOOR IN BASEMENT LIQUOR ROOM
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOLES ON WALL IN BASEMENT AREA. ON TOP SHELVES OF STORAGE AREA.REPAIR ISSUE WITH A SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND N ON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL
55
82
Aug 22, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: NOTED BULK FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE CONTAINERS AT THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DRY STORAGE NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED HOLES AND OPENING AT THE CORNER WALL BASE OF THE BAR AT THE FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENING WHERE EVER NECESSARY TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS
55
90
May 6, 2021
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 4, 2019
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES AT THE DINNING TABLES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: NOTED UTENSIL RACK AND ICE MACHINE STORED UNDERNEATH THE WASTE WATER PIPE LINES AT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR RELOCATE UTENSIL RACK AND ICE MACHINE.
44
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: NOTED ROUGH AND UNFINISHED BRICK WALLS BEHIND THE SHELVES, ICE MACHINE AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH WALLS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED A MULTIPLE HOLES AND OPENINGS ON WALLS AND CEILING OF THE BASEMENT FOOD.DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN, SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENINGS TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
55
78
Aug 30, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NOTED ESTABLISHMENT SERVING UNDERCOOKED FOOD ITEMS (HAMBURGERS/EGGS) WITH NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, DISCLOSURE OR REMINDERS TO THE CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH A DISCLOSURE NOTICE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
25
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES AT THE DINNING TABLES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: NOTED UTENSIL RACK AND ICE MACHINE STORED UNDERNEATH THE WASTE WATER PIPE LINES AT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR RELOCATE UTENSIL RACK AND ICE MACHINE.
44
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: NOTED A MULTIPLE HOLES AND OPENINGS ON WALLS AND CEILING OF THE BASEMENT FOOD.DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN, SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENINGS TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED ROUGH AND UNFINISHED BRICK WALLS BEHIND THE SHELVES, ICE MACHINE AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH WALLS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
70
Sep 7, 2018
Routine
4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11(A) A CONSUMER ADVISORY MUST BE AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMERS. MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS THAT ARE RAW OR UNDER COOKED AND A POTENTIAL HAZARD OF CONSUMING SUCH FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR A VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(A) NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17(A-B)(E-G)(A)ALL PREPARED FOODS HELD LONGER THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED OF PRODUCT, PREPARED DATE AND EXPIRATION DATE WITHIN 7 DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
64
Jul 31, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEANS, CHICKEN) PREPARED. INSTRUCTED THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WITH ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED, AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MAIN BAR HANDSINK TO PROTECT LIQUOR BOTTLES STORED NEXT TO SINK.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GRAYISH RESIDUE FROM UPPER GRAY PANEL IN ICE MACHINE.
33
86
Aug 18, 2016
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 27, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS IN THE KITCHEN. 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 ON THE UPPER INTERIOR PORTION OF THE ICE MACHINES IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
33
90
Aug 8, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR PANELS OF ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK BY PATIO AREA IS DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR/MAINTAIN.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE BINS AT THE FRONT BAR. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.
42
86
Sep 3, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cutting boards with deep, dark grooves must be sanded/bleached or replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FAN COVERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER,BAR GUNS AND HOUSINGS ATTACHED REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: EXPOSED BRICK WALLS BEHIND DRY STORAGE SHELVINGS IN BASEMENT MUST BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
35
86
Sep 4, 2012
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 7, 2011
Routine
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.REMOVE MINERAL BUILD UP FROM INSIDE THE GUN POP HOLDER FROM SMALL BAR.
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.REMOVE WHITE SLIMING SUBSTANCE FROM FLOOR DRAIN AT MAIN BAR AREA.
34
90
Jul 28, 2010
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE COVERS FOR THE ICE BINS AT ALL BARS.
32
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. DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.
33
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. MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF LIGHT BULBS FOR THE WALK-IN COOLER.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHEST FREEZER THAT IS STORED OUTSIDE OF THE BACK DOOR TO THE KITCHEN. MUST REMOVE FROM THE PREMISES.
41
82
Jul 12, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE COVERS FOR THE ICE BINS AT ALL BARS.
32
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. DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.
33
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. MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF LIGHT BULBS FOR THE WALK-IN COOLER.
36
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Will's Northwoods Inn last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Will's Northwoods Inn on file is from Jul 1, 2025. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Will's Northwoods Inn?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Will's Northwoods Inn.
Has Will's Northwoods Inn's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Will's Northwoods Inn have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Will's Northwoods Inn means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Will's Northwoods Inn inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Will's Northwoods Inn is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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