Grocery Store · Chicago, IL

Chatham Meat & Grocery

Name: Chatham Meat & Grocery
Address: 8211 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL

8211 S Cottage Grove Ave

Last inspected Jul 16, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

7 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Jul 16, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11//OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COMPARTMENT UNDER FRYER AND OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS WHERE DISHES ARE STORED 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

6-501.11:// NOTED HOLE IN FLOOR AT REGISTER REPAIRED WITH CARDBOARD AND BLUE TAPE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY REPAIR.------ 6-501.114// NOTED CLUTTER BEHIND REGISTER, IN REAR SOUTHEAST CLOSET BEHIND MEAT/DELI DISPLAY AND IN HALL TO REAR EXIT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO BUSINESS. ALL KEPT ITEMS ARE TO BE STORED ON PROPER SHELVING THAT IS ELEVATED A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR TO PROPERLT CLEAN AND MONITOR FACILITY FOR POTENTIAL RODENT ACTIVITY

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: **C** Allergen Training - All certified food service sanitation managers employed by a restaurant must receive or obtain training in basic allergen awareness principles within 30 days after employment and every 3 years thereafter. Training programs must be accredited by the American National Standards Institute or another reputable accreditation agency under the ASTM International E2659-09 (Standard Practice for Certificate Programs). OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGERN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.

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 16, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Jul 6, 2026

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TOP INTERIOR OF REAR ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN KITCHEN/DISH AREA WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK SUBSTANCE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE CUBES STORED AT BELOW ICE BIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COMPARTMENT UNDER FRYER AND OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS WHERE DISHES ARE STORED 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO RUNNING HOT/COLD WATER AT HANDWASH SINK IN KITCHEN. PIC INDICATED DRAINPIPE FROM SINK WAS BROKEN AND CALLED FOR REPAIR DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

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

NOTED HOLE IN FLOOR AT REGISTER REPAIRED WITH CARDBOARD AND BLUE TAPE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY 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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGERN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.

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 6, 2026 · Original Source

Short Form Complaint

Feb 5, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

REAR OUTER DOOR BY MOP SINK WITH A 1/2" GAP UNDERNEATH IT AND IS NOT RODENT/INSECT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE GAP AND RODENT/INSECT PROOF THE REAR DOOR. MAINTAIN SAME.

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

RUBBER GASKETS ON ALL OF THE BEVERAGE REACH IN COOLERS AND FROZEN FOOD FREEZERS IN THE FRONT AREA ARE IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN THE RUBBER GASKETS.

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

FLOORS UNDER THE FRYERS, IN THE CORNERS, UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND IN THE REACH IN COOLERS/FREEZERS WITH GREASE, FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THROUGHOUT. -VENTS AND WALLS IN THE TOILET ROOM AND FOOD PREP AREA WITH DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO 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

notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

FOOD HANDLERS ON SITE WITH NO PROOF THAT THEY MET THE FOOD HANDLER'S REQUIREMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE.

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, Feb 5, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 15, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

REAR OUTER DOOR BY MOP SINK WITH A 1/2" GAP UNDERNEATH IT AND IS NOT RODENT/INSECT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE GAP AND RODENT/INSECT PROOF THE REAR DOOR. MAINTAIN SAME.

In plain English

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

RUBBER GASKETS ON ALL OF THE BEVERAGE REACH IN COOLERS AND FROZEN FOOD FREEZERS IN THE FRONT AREA ARE IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN THE RUBBER GASKETS.

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

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

FOOD HANDLERS ON SITE WITH NO PROOF THAT THEY MET THE FOOD HANDLER'S REQUIREMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE.

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 15, 2024 · Original Source

Short Form Complaint

Nov 6, 2023

Pass w/ Conditions

4 recorded violations

notedCode 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 72.6F OF THE WALK-IN COOLER WITH BUTCHER EQUIPMENT STORED INSIDE WITH MEAT DEBRIS ON THE EQUIPMENT. THERE WAS NO FOOD STORED IN THE UNIT. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS PLACED ON UNIT. ONCE REPAIRED, EMAIL CDPH. INSTRUCTED TO NOT STORE AND TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE UNITMUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 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 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF A REFRIGERATOR ON SITE. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE FOUND OUT OF COMPLIANCE: CHICKEN (53.0-61.1F), ITALIAN BEEF AND GRAVY (54.8F), AMERICAN CHEESE (49.4F), GROUND BEEF (60.4F), 3 EGGS (57.5F), MILK (58.2F). MANAGER DISCARDED PRODUCT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. APPROXIMATELY 30LBS AND 1/3 GALLON OF MILK AT $250 DISCARDED. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

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

4-501.11: OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKETS ON THE REACH IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR (DOORS 4,5,7). MUST REPAIR 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

OBSERVED THE EQUIPMENT IN THE INADEQUATE WALK-IN COOLER WITH PIECES OF MEAT AND THE WALK-IN COOLER NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD OLD PIECES OF MEAT AND TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE WALK-IN COOLER AND THE EQUIPMENT INSIDE 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, Nov 6, 2023 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Oct 31, 2023

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKETS ON THE REACH IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR (DOORS 4,5,7). MUST REPAIR 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 31, 2023 · Original Source

Canvass

Oct 24, 2023

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKETS ON THE REACH IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR (DOORS 4,5,7). MUST REPAIR 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN POOR REPAIR INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER9NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE) AND BEHIND THE MEAT COUNTER (NOTED A HOLE). MUST REPAIR 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR WITH A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT TOGO CONTAINER IN THE PREP AREA/KITCHEN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE COOLERS AND FREEZER DIRTY. 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

notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A SMALL GARBAGE CAN WITH A LID IN THE WASHROOM AS REQUIRED.

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 24, 2023 · Original Source