Short Form Complaint
Apr 10, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 10, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Falafel Grill
1433 W Montrose Ave
Last inspected Apr 10, 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
8 inspectionsCanvass
Mar 18, 2026
Pass
1 recorded violation
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES PROVIDED FOR THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 18, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint
Apr 29, 2025
Pass
8 recorded violations
notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES AND PREP COOLERS IN FRONT AND REAR FOOD PREP AREAS. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN 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 problemsnotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME FROM ALL ITEMS REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINER. OBSERVED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED.
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 problemsnotedCode 43Equipment and utensils
Official wording
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED IN DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROPERLY STORE ALL SCOOPS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER 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 issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVING BEING USED AS MEANS OF ELEVATION IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED THAT RAW WOOD MUST BE NON-ABSORBENT PAINTED OR SEAL AT ALL TIMES.
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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS A LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT KITVHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACES.
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 problemsnotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED SLOW LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIRED 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON MILK CRATES. MUST STORE ITEMS IN APPROVED SHELVING AT ALL TIMES AND REMOVE MILK CRATES FROM PREMISES TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
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 problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED ONE LIGHT BULB OFF IN REAR PREP/FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REPLCE BULB AND MAINTAIN INTENSITY LIGHTING.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 29, 2025 · Original Source
Short Form Complaint
Feb 27, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 27, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint Re-Inspection
Jan 23, 2025
Pass
2 recorded violations
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVING AND BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA/DISHWASHING AREA MUST REPAINT REPLACE 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT. 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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 23, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint
Jan 14, 2025
Fail
5 recorded violations
notedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
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 problemsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVING AND BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA/DISHWASHING AREA MUST REPAINT REPLACE 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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
NOTED EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP ON SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF FOOD AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. 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 problemsnotedCode 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2602174 ON 09/04/2024 #16. NOTED SOME UPPER PORTIONS AND EXTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #37. ALL GRAB AND GO PRE-PACKAGED PREPARED FOODS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME, LIST OF INGREDIENTS, BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS. #40. ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITH FACIAL HAIR MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE BEARD RESTRAINTS. #41. ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE. #45. ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY INCLUDING THE 2ND FLR. DRY STORAGE MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS. MUST NOT USE TINFOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING. #49. MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING. MUST BE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE. #49 INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF PREP AREA BLENDERS WITH FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #55. MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR FLOORS INSIDE THE WALK-IN FREEZER. FLOORS INSIDE THE WALKIN FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD SPILLAGE. FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE 2ND FLR. DRY STORAGE WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL. #58. ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 14, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Sep 4, 2024
Pass
11 recorded violations
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s notes
NOTED SOME UPPER PORTIONS AND EXTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING. 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 problemsnotedCode 45Equipment and utensils
Official wording
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
Inspector’s notes
ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY INCLUDING THE 2ND FLR. DRY STORAGE MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
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 issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
MUST NOT USE PLASTIC WRAP AS A HOOK OR MEANS OF REPAIR AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK FOR THE ATTACHED HOSE.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR FLOORS INSIDE THE WALK-IN FREEZER. ----FLOORS INSIDE THE WALKIN FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD SPILLAGE.----FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE 2ND FLR. DRY STORAGE WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
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 problemsnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR 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 issuesnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF PREP AREA BLENDERS WITH FOOD DEBRIS. 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 problemsnotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
ALL GRAB AND GO PRE-PACKAGED PREPARED FOODS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME, LIST OF INGREDIENTS, BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS.
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 problemsnotedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
MUST NOT STORE THE DIRTY MOP BUCKET WITH SOILED MOP HEADS DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE ICE MACHINE AND OTHER FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT. MUST STORE INSIDE THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK WHEN NOT IN USE OR IN A DESIGNATED CLEANING TOOL SEPARATE AREA.
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 contaminationnotedCode 40Employee health and hygiene
Official wording
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
Inspector’s notes
ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITH FACIAL HAIR MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE BEARD RESTRAINTS.
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 issuesnotedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s notes
ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION 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 problemsnotedCode 43Equipment and utensils
Official wording
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
Inspector’s notes
NOTED KNIVES BEING IMPROPERLY STORED BETWEEN THE PREP TABLE AND PREP COOLER. MUST PROPERLY STORE ON A CLEAN SURFACE OR IN A PROPER KNIFE HOLDER.---NOTED THE TABLE TOP CAN OPENER WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS AND EXCESSIVE RUST. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE, REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 4, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Oct 30, 2023
Pass w/ Conditions
4 recorded violations
notedCode 54Facility maintenance
Official wording
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
Inspector’s notes
NOTED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER NOT MAINTAINED WITH GREASE ON TOP OF CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GREASE CONTAINER AND ITS SURROUNDING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
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 issuesnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
NOTED DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS, AND EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS, AND PIPES/CONDUITS.
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 issuesnotedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s notes
NOTED THAT THE INNER LINING OF THE ICE MACHINE WAS NOT CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE 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 problemsnotedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s notes
NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS HANGING AT THE HANDWASHING SINK OF THE FRONT PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION, ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN 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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 30, 2023 · Original Source