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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Elly's Pancake House

5308-5312 N Milwaukee Ave

Last inspected Jul 24, 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

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jul 24, 2026

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-202.15 OBSERVED LARGE GAP AT BOTTOM OF KITCHEN DOOR LEADING OUTSIDE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL GAP.

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

4-202.12 OBSERVED KETTLE TOO LARGE TO FIT IN ANY 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OR DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CREATE WRITTEN CLEAN IN PLACE PROCEDURE FOR WASHING, RINSING, AND SANITIZING DISHES.

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 24, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 15, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 44-55 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED: 1 GALLON OF MILK, 1/4 GALLON HEAVY CREAM, 3 POUNDS COOKED OATMEAL, AND 2 POUNDS OF GRAVY ($120) PRIORITY VIOALTION 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 29Other

Official wording

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE AND VACUUM PACKAGED FROZEN FISH AND FROZEN CHICKEN ON SITE WITH NO APPROVED HACCP PLAN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE AN APPROVED HACCP PLAN IS IN PLACE BEFORE VACUUM SEALING TCS FOODS. VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE TAGGED 10 POUNDS OF FISH AND 10 POUNDS CHICKEN DISCARDED ($50). 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 32Other

Official wording

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED VACUUM PACKAGED TCS FOOD AND VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE ON SITE WITHOUT APPROVED VARIANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ACQUIRE APPROVED VARIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #29.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED COOLER IN REAR COFFEE SHOP AREA WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 47 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COOLERS HAVE AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLER TAGGED. 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LARGE GAP AT BOTTOM OF KITCHEN DOOR LEADING OUTSIDE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL GAP.

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 KETTLE TOO LARGE TO FIT IN ANY 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OR DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CREATE WRITTEN CLEAN IN PLACE PROCEDURE FOR WASHING, RINSING, AND SANITIZING DISHES.

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 15, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Jul 16, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

MUST NOT STORE CLEAN CUTTING BOARD ON THE BACK-SPLASH OF THE HANDWASHING SINK .

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

ICE BUILD-UP AT CONDENSER UNIT AND BY THE DOOR INSIDE THE WALK-IN FREEZER AT REAR STORAGE.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. NO FOOD UNDER THE UNIT.

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

DETAIL CLEANING EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENTS.REMOVE GREASE.

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

SEAL SLASHGUARD AT HANDWASHING SINK AT COFFEE AREA. REPLACE BROKEN CAULKING BETWEEN WALL AND HANDWASHING SINK AT REAR PREP

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

DETAIL CLEANING IS REQUIRED UNDER THE SHELVES,COOKING EQUIPMENTS,UNDER THE SINKS AND INSIDE THE CABINETS OF UNDER THE HANDWASHING SINKS,KEEP FLOORS DRY,AND FREE OF DEBRIS,GREASE ETC.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, Jul 16, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jan 13, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 13, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 10, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

2 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED AND NO CERTIFED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOOD INCLUDING EGGS, CHICKEN AND BEEF ARE PREPARRED, COOKED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012

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 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED REACH IN COOLER ON FRONT EXPEDITING LINE NOT MAINTAINING 41F OR LESS. NO TCS FOOD WITHIN COOLER AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED. COOLER WAS TAGGED.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 10, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Apr 17, 2024

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON DOOR OF WALK-IN COOLER AND 3 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED ON COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITIO

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 BUILD UP OF DUST ON VENT IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN 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
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED NEAR EGG MIXER, IN COFFEE BAR, AND IN MEAT CUTTING ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 17, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 15, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DUST ON VENT IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN 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
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED NEAR EGG MIXER, IN COFFEE BAR, AND IN MEAT CUTTING ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS ITEMS HELD AT THE STATED IMRPOPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE PROTEIN WALK-IN COOLER: HAMBURGERS HELD AT 46.5F AND MARINATED SKIRT STEAK HELD AT 45.1F. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 10LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $75. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS ITEMS AT OR BELOW 41F 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 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WALK IN COOLER CONTAINING TCS ITEMS SUCH AS HAMBURGERS AND SKIRT STEAK MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 47.6F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR COOLER SO THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF MAINTAINING PROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW 41F. 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

OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON DOOR OF WALK-IN COOLER AND 3 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED ON COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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 BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON WALL MOUNTED POTATO CUTTER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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 15, 2024 · Original Source

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