Complaint Re-Inspection
Oct 9, 2025
Out of Business
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 9, 2025 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Amber Agave
1310 N Milwaukee Ave
Last inspected Oct 9, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Out of Business
ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
5 inspectionsComplaint
Oct 2, 2025
Fail
8 recorded violations
notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
Inspector’s notes
PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(COS)
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 issuesnotedCode 2Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED,PASTRIES,COFFEE,MUSHROOMS,SLAW,ETC,MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 10:57 A.M.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
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 issuesnotedCode 8Handwashing
Official wording
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY FEMALE FOOD HANDLER PUT ON A HAIRNET AND THEN HANDLED UTENSIL.ALSO HAD ON PLASTIC GLOVES AND PLACED UTENSILS INSIDE OF SANITIZER AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND PLACED IN DISH RACK CHANGED GLOVES AND AGAIN WAS ON CELL PHONE AND HANDLED FOOD AND UTENSIL WITHOUT WASHING HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
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 problemsnotedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED INADEQUATE FOOD PROTECTION DURING STORAGE OBSERVED AN ACTIVE LEAK OF DIRTY LOOKING WATER DRIPPING AND SPLASHING FROM CEILINGS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA WITH A POT AND A PLASTIC BUCKET ON UPPER STORAGE SHELF ABOVE PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS AND BOXED FOOD ITEMS STORED BELOW AND A PLASTIC RED BUCKET IN MIDDLE OF FLOOR IN SAME AREA TO CATCH WATER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FOOD ITEMS FROM SHELVING UNITS AND STORE IN A PROPER MANNER.REPAIR LEAK AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
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 contaminationnotedCode 46Other
Official wording
GLOVES USED PROPERLY
Inspector’s notes
IMPROPER USAGE OF PLASTIC GLOVES BY FOOD HANDLER.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE,PREP TABLES.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING & FLOOR TILES IN MOPSINK CLOSET,DAMAGED CEILING TILE IN REAR PREP AREA IN FRONT OF OVEN.
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 problemsnotedCode 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2619426 6/20/25 NOT CORRECTED- #44 4-903.11 (A; B; D): MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON SHELVING UNITS THROUGHOUT. #49-4-601.11(C): MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM LEGS AND WHEEL BASES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND COOLERS, INTERIOR & EXTERIOR OF FRYERS #55 6-201.11: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE FROM WALLS IN WALK-IN COOLER. #55 6-201.13 I: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN REAR PREP AREA. #56 6-501.14: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AT BOTH HOODS OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.#56- 6-202.11: MUST REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHTS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 2, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Jun 20, 2025
Pass
9 recorded violations
notedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SQUEEZE BOTTLES).
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 problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT & REAR DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
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 insectsnotedCode 43Equipment and utensils
Official wording
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
Inspector’s notes
: 3-304.12 : OBSERVED PAPER CUPS STORED INSIDE OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS MUST REMOVE AND STORE PROPERLY.
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 issuesnotedCode 44Equipment and utensils
Official wording
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector’s notes
4-903.11 (A;B;D) : MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON SHELVING UNITS THROUGHOUT.
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 issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ALONG BOTTOM OF WALK IN FREEZER.
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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM LEGS AND WHEEL BASES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND COOLERS,INTERIOR & EXTERIOR OF FRYERS.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
: 6-201.11 : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE FROM WALLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND IN WALK IN COOLER.
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 problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
6-501.14 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AT BOTH HOODS OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
2-102.13 : MUST PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS AND MAINTAIN.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 20, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Jun 12, 2025
Fail
14 recorded violations
notedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AT BOTH HOODS OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
MUST PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS AND MAINTAIN.
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 issuesnotedCode 3Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 issuesnotedCode 28Chemicals
Official wording
TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF WHITE PESTICIDE APPLICATION SCATTERED HEAVILY THROUGHOUT PREMISES ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT FROM PREP AREAS TO FOOD STORAGE AREAS, TOOL STORAGE AND HOT WATER TANK AREAS, ON PIPES OF ALL EQUIPMENT.MUST REMOVE PESTICIDE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-015)(CITATION ISSUED)
In plain English
Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.
More about chemicals stored or used unsafelynotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SQUEEZE BOTTLES).
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 problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT & REAR DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
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 insectsnotedCode 43Equipment and utensils
Official wording
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED PAPER CUPS STORED INSIDE OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS MUST REMOVE AND STORE PROPERLY.
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 issuesnotedCode 44Equipment and utensils
Official wording
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector’s notes
MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON SHELVING UNITS THROUGHOUT.
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 issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ALONG BOTTOM OF WALK IN FREEZER.
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 problemsnotedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED DISCOLORED CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS TO CHECK SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM'S AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM LEGS AND WHEEL BASES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND COOLERS,INTERIOR & EXTERIOR OF FRYERS.
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 problemsnotedCode 50Other
Official wording
HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE THROUGHOUT PREMISES AT HAND SINKS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, AND TOILET ROOM AREAS (77.0F-89.6F) AND 3 3-COMPARTMENT SINK (87.8F).MUST HAVE HOT RUNNING WATER AT HAND SINKS AT 100.0F AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AT 110.0F.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. (PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)HOT RUNNING WATER HAS BEEN RESTORED AT ALL ABOVE MENTIONED SINKS THROUGHOUT PREMISES AT 11:15 A.M.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN REAR PREP AREA.
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 problemsnotedCode 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2594621 5/15/24 NOT CORRECTED-#55-6-501.11 OBSERVED CAULK BUBBLING ON CEILING ABOVE DOOR LEADING TO KITCHEN AND INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED HOLES IN BRICK WALLS IN DINING ROOM TOWARDS THE CEILING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL HOLES ARE SEALED. #55-6-201.11 OBSERVED BRICK WALLS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL BRICK WALLS TO ENSURE BRICKS ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.#55- 6-501.13 OBSERVED DEBRIS BUILDUP ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 12, 2025 · Original Source
License
May 15, 2024
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED RUSTED SHELVING ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND ON INTERIOR OF 3 DOOR COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAINT OR REPLACE RACKS.
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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE 3-DOOR COOLER AND INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN. OBSERVED HEAVY SOILAGE INSIDE MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
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 problemsnotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED LEAK FROM PIPE AT BOTTOM OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED CAULK BUBBLING ON CEILING ABOVE DOOR LEADING TO KITCHEN AND INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED HOLES IN BRICK WALLS IN DINING ROOM TOWARDS CEILING INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL HOLES ARE SEALED.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 15, 2024 · Original Source