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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Bavette's

218 W Kinzie St

Last inspected Jul 20, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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

The full inspection history

11 inspections

Suspected Food Poisoning

Jul 20, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN 1ST FLOOR BAR. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED HANDWASHING SIGNAGE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN HANDWASHIGN SIGNAGE AT ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP OF DEBRIS INSIDE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM USED TO PROVIDE ICE FOR SEAFOOD DISPLAY.

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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 1 BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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, Jul 20, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jun 3, 2026

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING HANDSINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA WITH LOOSE FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 3, 2026 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

May 11, 2026

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 11, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Jul 23, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 23, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Jul 15, 2025

Fail

8 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCES AND RUSTS ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MACHINES, DRIPPING INTO ICE "ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION". INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO TURN OFF SAID MACHINES, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF TWO ICE MACHINES CLEANED AND SANITIZED AND MAINTAINED.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 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 6-DOOR PREP LINE COOLER IN THE MAIN 1ST FLOOR KITCHEN PREP AREA THE SAID COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 35.2F AT THIS TIME.OBSERVED COOKED CHICKEN PREPARED FROM PREVIOUS DAY WITH INTERNAL TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 44.0F-48.1F, RAW BURGER BALLS AT 48F,RAW BEEF FILETS INTERNAL TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 48.7F-53.8F.MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 32#'S OF FOOD WORTH $560.00. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, (TCS FOODS) MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F OR COLDER AND HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 135 F OR HOTTER AT ALL TIMES.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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINER IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA WITHOUT A LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS 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
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE BUILDUP DEBRIS ON TOP OF THE LARGE DISHMACHINE LOCATED ON THE 1ST FLOOR DISHWASHING AREA 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
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF FAUCET AT THE BASEMENT PREP/DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND TO MAINTAIN.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS WITH SPILLED DRIED UP DEBRIS BEHIND-UNDER-AROUND THE ICE MACHINES LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT PREP/DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL 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
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN VENTILATION SYSTEM ABOVE THE LARGE ICE MACHINE TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS LOCATED IN THE 1ST FLOOR REAR STORAGE ROOM.

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, Jul 15, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 8, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 25Food temperature

Official wording

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENU. INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDER STATEMENT TO MENU. CORRECTED ON SITE REMINDER STATEMENT ADDED TO MENU BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED OPENING AT BASE OF LEFT ENTRANCE FRONT GLASS DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

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 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED UTENSILS IN CONTAINER IN STAGING AREA IN BASEMENT DINING AREA ON SHELF STORED UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IN A SELF DRAINING POSITION THAT ALLOWS AIR DRYING AND COVERED OR INVERTED.

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

OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH SHELVING UNITS IN CHEMICAL STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

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

OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF COOKLINE IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF COOKLINE IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

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

OBSERVED ONE EMPLOYEE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WITH NO ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATES.

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, Apr 8, 2025 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Mar 14, 2025

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 14, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 10, 2024

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SEVERAL SINKS USED FOR FOOD PREPARATION (1ST FLOOR PREP AREA, 1ST FLOOR BAR AREA) PROVIDED WITH HANDWASHING AIDS REQUIRED FOR HANDWASHING SINKS (SOAP, PAPER TOWELS, HANDWASHING SIGNAGE). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE HANDWASHING AIDS, DEVICES, AND SIGNAGE FROM SINKS NOT INTENDED FOR USE AS HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS NOT PROVIDED IN PREP COOLERS AT THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER IN A CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY-VIEWABLE LOCATION IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS USED TO STORE TCS FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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

OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED TO LINE NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES (REAR GRILL SURFACE) OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AT THE 1ST FLOOR COOK LINE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL AND MAINTAIN ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT AS 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FAUCET AT THE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK (NEAR ICE TUB DISPLAY) TO BE LEAKING, BUT FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE HANDWASHING SINK FAUCET PLUMBING FIXTURE TO ELIMINATE LEAK AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD 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 problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LARGE HOLE IN CEILING ABOVE DRY STORAGE SHELVES IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR HOLE AND MAINTAIN ALL PHYSICAL FACILITIES IN GOOD REPAIR.

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, Jul 10, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Jun 13, 2024

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

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

Canvass

Dec 12, 2023

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

LINENS/PAPER TOWELS ARE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH HARD BOILED EGGS IN THE SALAD PREP AREA. LINENS/PAPER TOWELS MAY NOT BE USED IN CONTACT WITH FOODS.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

EQUIPMENT USED IN THE FACILITY IS TOO LARGE TO FIT AND FULLY IMMERSE WITHIN THE COMPARTMENTS OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. FACILITY MUST INSTALL A LARGER 3COMPARTMENT SINKTHAT WILL ALLOW ALL EQUIPMENT TO BE IMMERSED, USE SMALLER EQUIPMENT THAT CAN FIT IN THE EXISTING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OR USE AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF MANUAL WAREWASHING APPROVED BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

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

FAN GUARD IN THE PREP WALK-IN COOLER AND VENT ABOVE THE LARGE DISH MACHINE HAS ACCUMILATED WITH AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DUST. FACILITY MUST CLEAN 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, Dec 12, 2023 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Dec 5, 2023

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 5, 2023 · Original Source

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