Yolk - Wicker Park
Last inspected: Aug 4, 2025
74
Score
The health department has logged 14 inspections at Yolk - Wicker Park, the earliest from 2017. On Aug 4, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Yolk - Wicker Park's 74 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 4, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: No hand soap provided at both hand wash sinks at main prep kitchen, Instructed to provide. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Using disposable Paper cups to store at main prep kitchen. Instructed to use proper utensils.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: Employees toilet room door in kitchen area not self-closing, Instructed to install a self closing device.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Standing water pooling next to ice maker in rear kitchen. Instructed to keep floor dry as possible to minimize insects breeding sites.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: No allergen training certificate for food service manager, Instructed to obtain.
58
74
Aug 30, 2024
Complaint
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHLORINE DISH MACHINE WITH A FINAL CHLORINE CONCENTRATION OF 0 PPM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE DISH MACHINE PROVIDES CHLORINE CONCENTRATION OF AT LEAST 50 PPM. FOOD EMPLOYEE ACTIVELY USING DISH MACHINE. TECHNICIAN ARRIVED ON SITE TO REPAIR DISH MACHINE.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
16
86
Apr 4, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Nov 3, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jul 28, 2022
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR LEADING TO THE DUMPSTERS. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
38
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
90
Jul 21, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR FOR WARE WASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE PREPARING AND HANDLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS DURING INSPECTION. PRESENTED SERVSAFE CERT WITH 02/23/2018 EXAM DATE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE FRONT 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR LEADING TO THE DUMPSTERS. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD SHELVES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER WHERE LIQUID EGGS ARE STORED AND IN THE REAR PREP AREA WHERE CHEMICALS ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND/OR REPLACE WITH SMOOTH, AND EASILY CLEANABLE MATERIAL.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
64
Sep 15, 2021
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON STANDING FREEZER NEAR PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR. PROOF OF PURCHASE FOR GASKET SHOWN AT TIME OF INSPECTION. GRACE PERIOD GIVEN FOR INSTALLATION.
47
95
Sep 14, 2021
Complaint
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS CHORIZO, BEEF, CHICKEN, AND TOMATOES HELD AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 44.7-51.0F INSIDE PREP COOLER NEAR GRILL AREA. ALL COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES ARE TO BE 41F OR LESS. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD APROXIMATELY 2 POUNDS OF FOOD PRODUCTS AT A COST OF $40. PRIORITY. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: NO HOT WATER THROUGHOUT FACILITY. ALL HOT WATER VALVES SHUT OFF. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE HOT WATER PRESSURE. PRIORITY. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
50
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CAN OF STAINLESS STEEL CLEANER STORED ABOVE COLD HOLDING UNITS IN PREP AREA. MUST STORE IN A DESIGNATED AREA FOR CHEMICALS NOT NEAR FOOD ITEMS. PRIORITY. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
28
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPRAY BOTTLE OF CHEMICALS IN PREP AREA NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME. ALL CHEMICALS THAT ARE NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER MUST BE LABELED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-015. CITATION ISSUED.
28
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE DATED 06/2021. INSTRUCTED PIC TO HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GAP UNDERNEATH EXIT DOOR NEAR REAR OF RESTAURANT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DOOR SWEEP OR SEAL TO PROTECT FROM PEST ACTIVITY.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON STANDING FREEZER NEAR PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD AND GREASE UNDERNEATH GRILLS IN PREP AREA, MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS INSIDE FLOOR DRAIN AT FRONT DRINK PREP STATION, AND FLOORS UNDERNEATH SERVICE LINE MUST BE CLEANED OF ALL DIRT, DUST AND FOOD DEBRIS.
55
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: SUMMARY REPORT NOT DISPLAYED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED TO PLACE SUMMARY REPORT IN PUBLIC VIEW AT ALL TIMES.
61
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO HANGING THERMOEMTER INSIDE WALK IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE CONTAINERS OF SUGAR AND OTHER INGREDIENTS STORED UNDER PREP TABLE NEAR WALK IN COOLER WITHOUT LABELS. ALL BULK FOOD INGREDIENTS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGING MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME OF INGREDIENT.
37
39
Apr 29, 2021
Complaint
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER TOUCH MASK AND PROCEED TO HANDLE FOOD WITHOUT WASHING HANDS. ALSO NOTED EMPLOYEE WIPE HANDS ON APRON AND IMMEDIATELY PROCEED TO HANDLE FOOD LOCATED ON SERVICE LINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CHANGE GLOVES AND WASH HANDS DURING FOOD PREPARATION AS OFTEN AS NECESSARY TO REMOVE SOIL AND CONTAMINATION AND TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION WHEN CHANGING TASKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
8
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE OR CLEANING MATERIALS TO CLEAN UP SAID INCIDENT ON SITE. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE PROCEDURES AND CLEANING MATERIALS (GLOVES, MASK, DISPOSABLE MOP, DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS) FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW AND USE WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.
5
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: FOUND EMPLOYEE IN FRONT SERVICE AREA EATING TOAST. ALSO NOTED 5 BEVERAGES WITHOUT LIDS STORED IN FRONT SERVICE AREA. EMPLOYEEs MUST EAT AND DRINK ONLY IN DESIGNATED AREAS WHERE THE CONTAMINATION OF: EXPOSED FOOD, CLEAN EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, AND LINENS, UNWRAPPED SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES; OR OTHER ITEMS NEEDING PROTECTION CANNOT RESULT IN CONTAMINATION.
6
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND DRAIN PIPE UNDER WASH BASIN PROFUSELY LEAKING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
70
Apr 16, 2021
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE OR CLEANING MATERIALS TO CLEAN UP SAID INCIDENT ON SITE. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE PROCEDURES AND CLEANING MATERIALS (GLOVES, MASK, DISPOSABLE MOP, DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS) FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW AND USE WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.
5
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: FOUND NO SUMMARY REPORT POSTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO POST SUMMARY REPORT IN CONSPICIOUS PLACE FOR CUSTOMERS TO SEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
61
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND DRAIN PIPE UNDER WASH BASIN PROFUSELY LEAKING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
78
Mar 5, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
53
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME BEHIND USED COOKING OIL CAN LOCATED IN ALLEY AT REAR OF BUILDING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF DEBRIS.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF MILDEW BUILD UP ON WALLS AROUND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Feb 13, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS MASK, GLOVES, DISPOSABLE MOPS, AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEES IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL WATER PRESSURE NEEDED AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATED ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
61
Apr 6, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN SHELVING UNDERNEATH GRILLS TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AROUND AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE SPILL,DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED THE WEATHER STRIPPING AT THE REAR EXIT DOOR A LITTLE WORN. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Oct 12, 2017
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Yolk - Wicker Park last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Yolk - Wicker Park on file is from Aug 4, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Yolk - Wicker Park?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Yolk - Wicker Park.
Has Yolk - Wicker Park's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Yolk - Wicker Park have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Yolk - Wicker Park 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 Yolk - Wicker Park inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Yolk - Wicker Park is inspected around two times per year on average.
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