Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Bale Sandwich And Bakery

Name: Bale Sandwich And Bakery
Address: 5014 N Broadway, Chicago, IL

5014 N Broadway

Last inspected Apr 1, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Pass w/ Conditions

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Bale Sandwich And Bakery has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

Own this restaurant? Add an inspection badge to your website · Inspection prep checklist

SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

7 inspections

Complaint

Apr 1, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

4 recorded violations

notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

Inspector’s notes

NOTED EMPLOYEES DRINKING AND PREPARING FOOD AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO DRINK AND EAT AND NOT AT THE PREP AREAS.

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 21Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS AT THE DISPLY TABLES OF THE DINNING AREA TO BE IMPROPER:-SHREDDED CHICKEN RICE 96.9F, CHICKEN LEG 96.6F, PORK CHOP RICE 75.2F/78F, STICKY RICE 88.7F, RED BEANS/RICE 86.8F, PEANUT STICKY RICE 87.9F, JACK FRUIT STCKY RICE 88.3, BLACK STICKY RICE 81.3F, SWEET STICY RICE 91.5F, CHICKEN STICKY RICE 89.7F/88.7F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 25LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $100.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE ALL THE DOOR OF THE DISPLAY COOLER AT THE DISPLAY AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR 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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER AND SURROUNDING NOT MAINTAINED WITH THICK GREASE ON THE GROUND AROUND THE GREASE CONTAINER AND ON TOP OF CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GREASE CONTAINER AND ITS SURROUNDING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.

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 issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 1, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Feb 17, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

4 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO 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 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE, CHICKEN SOUPS ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) 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 21Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS AT THE DISPLY TABLES OF THE DINNING AREA TO BE IMPROPER:-SHREDDED CHICKEN RICE 96.9F, CHICKEN LEG 106.7F, PORK CHOP RICE 104F, STEAMED BABY CAKE 77F, FERMENTED CAKE 79.8F,PORK & SOUR HAM 119.6F, BLACK STICKY RICE 108.8F, FRIED BEANS RICE 113.9F, CORN COCONUT 121.6F PORK BELLY MONG BEANS 76F.MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 51 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $400.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AT THE REAR PREP AREA WITH THE DISH WASHING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.

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 issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 17, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Mar 26, 2025

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY METAL STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE PRODUCE WALK-IN COOLER IN REAR 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 problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 26, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Mar 19, 2025

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH VISIBLE MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCES (PINK AND BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE) SEVERE BUILD-UP LIKELY TO CONTAMINATE THE ICE WHICH TO BE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO EMPTY ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN (WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE) AND MAINTAIN. 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

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE COLD AND HOT HOLDING DISPLAY UNIT IN FRONT DISPLAY AREA.

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY METAL STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE PRODUCE WALK-IN COOLER IN REAR 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 problems

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR HOT FAUCET HANDLE IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA (HOT WATER CONTINUOUSLY RUNNING).

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 problems

notedCode 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES (PLASTIC BUCKETS AND VEGETABLE CRATES) IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

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 issues

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALL WITH MOLD LIKE BUILD UP AND FLOORS INDER AND AROUND STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE (2) WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR 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 problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 19, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Nov 12, 2024

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

5-501.115 OBSERVED DRIED LEAVES AND DEBRIS ON GROUND UNDER AND AROUND GARBAGE DUMPSTER AND GREASE DUMPSTER IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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 issues

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON WORKING (2) LIGHTBULBS (RIGHT SIDE) AT KITCHEN HOOD INFRONT KITCHEN AREA.

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 issues

notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13 OBSERVED SOME FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ALL FOOD HANDLERS THAT DO NOT HAVE CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE SHALL COMPLETE AN APPROVED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROGRAM.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 12, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 4, 2024

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE HOT HOLDING DISPLAY UNIT AND COLD HOLDING/REACH PREP-IN COOLERS

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CONDENSER FAN COVER WITH MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP INSIDE (2) WALK-IN COOLER 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 problems

notedCode 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DRIED LEAVES AND DEBRIS ON GROUND UNDER AND AROUND GARBAGE DUMPSTER AND GREASE DUMPSTER IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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 issues

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH EXCESSIVE DUST AND GREASE ACCUMULATION ABOVE REAR PREP (BAKING) 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 problems

notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SOME FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ALL FOOD HANDLERS THAT DO NOT HAVE CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE SHALL COMPLETE AN APPROVED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROGRAM.

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 NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2583298 ISSUED ON 10-12-2023 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED #10 - OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HANDSINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA ACROSS FROM THE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE FOR ALL HANDSINKS USED BY FOOD EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN. #40 - OBSERVED MULTIPLE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL FOOD-HANDLING EMPLOYEES WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE PREPARING FOOD AND MAINTAIN. #47 - OBSERVED RUSTED STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLERS IN THE REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. #55 - OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT PREP AND WAREWASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS DRAINS AND MAINTAIN.

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, Nov 4, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Oct 12, 2023

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HANDSINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA ACROSS FROM THE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE FOR ALL HANDSINKS USED BY FOOD EMPLOYEES 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.

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RUSTED STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLERS IN THE REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MULTIPLE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL FOOD-HANDLING EMPLOYEES WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE PREPARING FOOD AND MAINTAIN.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT PREP AND WAREWASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS DRAINS AND MAINTAIN.

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 12, 2023 · Original Source