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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Butcher's Tap

3553 N Southport Ave

Last inspected Apr 8, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Pass w/ Conditions

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

The full inspection history

6 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Apr 8, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

5 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS WITHOUT ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE. 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.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-501.112: **C** Removing Dead or Trapped Birds, Insects, Rodents and other Pests OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES THROUGHOUT FACILITY INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND DISPOSE OF ALL DEAD PEST CLEAN AND SANITIZE SAID AREAS.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

-502.11(A;C): **C** Good Repair and Calibration- Utensils and Temperature and Pressure Measuring Devices OBSERVED BASE COLD HOLDING UNITS EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE DISPLAY LOCATEDIN PREP AREA INACCURATE AND NOT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING. INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE UNIT WAS OBSERVED AT PROPER COLD-HOLDING TEMPERATURE UNDER 41F. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(B): (B) The FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of cooking EQUIPMENT and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

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

6-201.16: **C** Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings OBSERVED A BULGING CEILING DUE TO LEAK IN THE CEILING ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND SEAL

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, Apr 8, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Apr 1, 2026

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A WHITE PANEL INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE THAT TOUCHED ICE FILLED WITH A BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES THROUGHOUT FACILITY INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND DISPOSE OF ALL DEAD PEST CLEAN AND SANITIZE SAID AREAS.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BASE COLD HOLDING UNITS EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE DISPLAY LOCATEDIN PREP AREA INACCURATE AND NOT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING. INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE UNIT WAS OBSERVED AT PROPER COLD-HOLDING TEMPERATURE UNDER 41F. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

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 A BULGING CEILING DUE TO LEAK IN THE CEILING ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND SEAL.

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, Apr 1, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jul 21, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 21, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 14, 2025

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE COMPONENTS TO BE HEAVILY SOILED AND COVERED WITH A BLACK AND GREY SLIME AND SUBSTANCE THAT IS DRIPPING ONTO THE ICE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. ICE MACHINE LOCATED AT EASTERN MOST SECTION OF THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANTITIZE, AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND FOOD CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE. 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

OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN THE REACH IN COOLER ON LEFT SIDE BELOW THE GRILL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A THERMOMETER TO MEASURE THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE IN COOLER.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 15 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT ALONG THE WALL IN THE SMALL COVE NEXT TO THE ICE MACHINE, AND IN THE TWO WALL ACCESS PANELS WITH MISSING PANELS IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS FREE OF RAT AND RODENT DROPPINGS, AND RECOMMENDED PEST CONTROL SERVICE FACILITY PRIOR TO REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-020(a). CITATION ISSUED.

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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE HOT WATER HANDLE OF THE BASEMENT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT TIME OF INSPECTION. HOT WATER HANDLE LEAKS EXTENSIVELY WHEN HANDLE IN IS TURNED ON AND IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO SERVICE AND MAINTAIN 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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE BASEMENT BATHROOM TO NOT HAVE A SELF CLOSING DOOR AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE DOOR AND ENSURE IT IS A SELF CLOSING DOOR FOR THE BATHROOM.

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 THE SMALL COVE/CLOSET NEXT TO THE EAST MOST ICE MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT TO BE HEAVILY CLUTTERED WITH VARIOUS BOXES, CHAIRS, AND LOOSE EQUIPMENT. UNABLE TO FULLY SEE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAINTAIN AREA FREE OF EXCESSIVE CLUTTER AND REMOVE AND ITEMS NOT NECESSARY TO FUNCTION OF FACILITY.

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 MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLETE AND MAINTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL 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

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

Canvass

Aug 6, 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 THE GASKET IN THE 2 DRAWER REACH IN COOLER BELOW FLAT TOP IN MAIN PREP AREA TO BE HEAVILY TORN AND DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN 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
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MOPS STORED IN BUCKET OF STANDING WATER IN FIRST FLOOR DISH MACHINE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE MOPS TO ALLOW FOR AIR DRYING IN BETWEEN USES.

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 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORES ON PREPARATION TABLES IN THE FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN BUCKET OF SANITIZING SOLTUTION IN BETWEEN USE.

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

OBSERVED THE UPPER PORTION OF THE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE TO BE SOILED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL PIECES AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

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, Aug 6, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Dec 20, 2023

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

FOUND FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS.MUST PROVIDE.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FOUND HANDK SINKS NOT CLEAN AT PREPARATION AREAS.MUST 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 problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS.MUST 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 problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 20, 2023 · Original Source

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