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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Almost Home Tavern & Grill

3801-3809 N Clark St

Last inspected Oct 30, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

Canvass

Oct 30, 2025

Fail

10 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFIECATE WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS HAMBURGERS, CHICKEN WINGS SOUPS ETC. INSTRUCTED TO OPERATE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 5Other

Official wording

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS IN FRONT BAR AREA. MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE IN THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING DOWN INTO ICE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO TURN OFF ICE MACHINE REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEAN AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED IN PREP COOLERS IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED. OBSERVED REAR EXIT SIDE DOOR WITH 1/2 INCH OPENING ON BOTTOM DOOR. MUST MAKE DOOR RODENT PROOF TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HEAVY ACCUMULATION OF DUST AND DIRT BUILD UP ON WALLS AND CEILINGS ABOVE PREP TABLES AND COOLERS. ALSO OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS COVERS ABOVE FOOD STORAGE SHELVING AND PREP COOLERS. MUST CLEAN DUST AND DIRT AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. ALSO OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED OPENINGS INTO FLOOR WALLS AND CEILING ON BASEMENT BY ICE MACHINE AND REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST SEAL AND MAINTAIN. MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 30, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jun 17, 2024

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 17, 2024 · Original Source

License Re-Inspection

Jun 17, 2024

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 17, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jun 13, 2024

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

NOTED AT THIS REINSPECTION APPROXIMATELY OVER 300 SMALL DRAIN FLIES SWARMING THE BAR FLO0R DRAIN AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AREA AT DRAIN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE ALL FLIES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMEND HAVING PEST CO. SERVICE FOR FLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-307.11--- MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CEILING ABOVE THE TWO BASEMENT BOX FREEZERS OR MOVE TO AN AREA WITH A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CEILING.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

NOTED COOK ON SITE WITHOUT A HAIR OR BEARD RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES WHILE PREPARING AND HANDLING FOODS.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11 (A;B;D)--- ALL POTS, PANS, SERVING BOWLS, TO GO CONTAINERS MUST BE STORED INVERTED/PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11--- DIRT AND DEBRIS BEHIND AND AROUND THE KITCHEN DISH WASHING MACHINE AND KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK GREASE TRAP.----ALL FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT THE BAR NOTED DIRTY WITH DEBRIS AND BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE.----FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER WITH FOOD SPILLAGE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.-----BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13---- MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 6-6-24 REPORT #2595818. #60- 8-404.13(B:4) PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2580075 ON 8-14-23 NOT CORRECTED.#55- 6-501.12-- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH THE DISH WASHING AREA, AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE AND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA.#55- 6-501.114-- NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND/OR REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 13, 2024 · Original Source

License

Jun 6, 2024

Fail

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 6, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Jun 6, 2024

Fail

12 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED THE KITCHEN CHLORINE CHEMICAL DISH WASHING MACHINE NOT PROPERLY DISPENSING SANITIZER. NOTED 0 PPM CHLORINE. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND PROPERLY DISPENSES CHLORINE, C.D.P.H CONTACTED FOR RE-INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. INSTRUCTED TO USE THE BAR DISH WASHING MACHINE OR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

NOTED A ONE INCH GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD OF THE KITCHEN EXIT DOOR LEADING TO THE OUTSIDE. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CEILING ABOVE THE TWO BASEMENT BOX FREEZERS OR MOVE TO AN AREA WITH A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CEILING.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

ALL POTS, PANS, SERVING BOWLS, TO GO CONTAINERS MUST BE STORED INVERTED/PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

MUST REMOVE FROM PREMISES THE POROUS STONE PESTLE AND MORTAR BOWL USED FOR FOODS. UNABLE TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE STONE BOWL.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE FOR THE DISH WASHING MACHINES. NO QUATERNARY CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE FOR THE SANITIZER BEING USED AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS. MUST PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

RAW WOODEN SHELVING AT THE SERVER STATION MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED.----WOMEN'S WASHROOM DOOR REPAIRED WITH DUCT TAPE. MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR. MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER AT THE BAR. MUST REPLACE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

NOTED NUMEROUS EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. MUST PROVIDE UPDATED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2580075 ON 8-14-23 NOT CORRECTED.#55- 6-501.12-- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH THE DISH WASHING AREA, AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE AND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA.#55- 6-501.114 Inspector Comments: NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND/OR REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 6, 2024 · Original Source

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