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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Dawson

730-736 W Grand Ave

Last inspected Mar 3, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Pass w/ Conditions

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

The full inspection history

7 inspections

Canvass

Mar 3, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

3 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT DUMP SINKS IN 1ST FLOOR BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE FROM NONHANDWASHING SINKS.

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 29Other

Official wording

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROVED HACCP PLAN ON SITE WITHOUT LOGS. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP LOGS ON SITE FOR A MINIMUM OF 6 MONTHS POST PRODUCTION AS REQUIRED BY CODE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FIRST FLOOR BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE 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, Mar 3, 2026 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Feb 19, 2026

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 19, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 6, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

5 recorded violations

notedCode 14Food source and labeling

Official wording

REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MULTIPLE SHELLSTOCK TAGS FROM NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2024 AND JANUARY 2025 WITH NO DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED THE DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED SHALL BE RECORDED ON THE TAG OR LABEL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WASH GAUGE ON LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE AT FIRST FLOOR BAR NOT DISPLAYING TEMPERATURE OF WASH CYCLE. OBSERVED WASH GAUGE ON LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE AT FIRST FLOOR BAR DISPLAYING 493, INSTEAD OF TEMPERATURE OF WASH CYCLE. INSTRUCTED A WAREWASHING MACHINE SHALL BE EQUIPPED WITH A TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE THAT INDICATES THE TEMPERATURE OF THE WATER IN EACH WASH TANK. CORRECTED ON SITE WASH GAUGE ON LOW TEMPERATURE AT FIRST FLOOR BAR REPAIRED BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION WASH GAUGE DISPLAYING 125F AFTER REPAIR. 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING HANDWASHING SINK IN BASEMENT PREP NEAR WALK IN COOLER AND RAMP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR HANDWASHING SINK IN BASEMENT PREP NEAR WALK IN COOLER AND RAMP AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON MOP SINK LEAKING WHEN FAUCET IS TURNED ON. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON MOP SINK FAUCET AND 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 DEBRIS ON FLOOR AND ALONG BASES OF WALL UNDERNEATH COUNTER OF SERVING STATION ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOOR AND ALONG BASES OF WALL UNDERNEATH COUNTER OF SERVING STATION ON FIRST FLOOR.

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 DUST ON CEILING VENT COVERS IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN CEILING VENT COVERS IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM IN BASEMENT.

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 6, 2025 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Jan 27, 2025

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 27, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

May 7, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

2 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

NO PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED. MUST HAVE A PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER WITH ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE ARRIVED ON SITE AT 4:07 PM. 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

6-202.15: OBSERVED OPENING AT BASE IN MIDDLE OF DOUBLE ENTRANCE FRONT DOORS. 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 7, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 15, 2024

Fail

9 recorded violations

notedCode 14Food source and labeling

Official wording

REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MULTIPLE SHELLSTOCK TAGS FROM JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH AND APRIL IN FOLDERS WITH NO DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED THE DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED SHALL BE RECORDED ON THE TAG OR LABEL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

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 25Food temperature

Official wording

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT CAN BE SERVED RAW OR COOKED TO ORDER WITH NO ASTERISK IDENTIFYING AND NO DISCLOSURE STATING THAT SAID FOODS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR COOKED TO ORDER. CORRECTED ON SITE ASTERISK IDENTIFYING AND DISCLOSURE STATING WHICH ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR COOKED TO ORDER 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 IN MIDDLE OF DOUBLE ENTRANCE FRONT DOORS. 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 KNIVES, FORKS AND SPOONS STORED IN CONTAINERS ON UPPER SHELVES IN BUSSING AREA WITH HANDLES DOWN. INSTRUCTED TO STORE UTENSILS WITH HANDLES UP TO PREVENT 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 BIG AND SMALL ICE MACHINES IN BASEMENT WITH A PINK AND BLACK MOLDLIKE SUBSTANCE ON SHIELDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SHIELDS AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF ICE.

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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN FIRST FLOOR BAR, MIDDLE COOKLINE AND SECOND FLOOR STAGING AREA. CORRECTED ON SITE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE POSTED IN SAID AREAS BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TEMPERATURE OF THE WASH SOLUTION IN HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 142F. CORRECTED ON SITE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE REPAIRED BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION WASH SOLUTION IN HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE AT PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 160F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-025

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 LEAKING DRAIN PIPE OF MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DRAIN PIPE.

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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2574395 DATED 04/17/2023 NOT CORRECTED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED. OBSERVED CLEAN UTENSILS SUCH AS FORKS AND KNIVES OUT ON AT CUSTOMER TABLES WHICH IS NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION. UTENSILS MUST BE COVERED AND/OR WRAPED CLEAN UTENSILS SHALL BE HANDLED, DISPLAYED, AND DISPENSED SO THAT FOOD AND LIP CONTACT SURFACES ARE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION. THE 2ND FLOOR RESTROOMS DO NOT HAVE A TIGHT-FITTING AND SELF-CLOSING DOOR. ALL TOILET ROOMS LOCATED WITHIN A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT MUST BE ENCLOSED WITH A TIGHT-FITTING AND SELF-CLOSING DOOR.

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, Apr 15, 2024 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Apr 10, 2024

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 10, 2024 · Original Source

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