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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Forum 55

55 E Monroe St

Last inspected Feb 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

4 inspections

Canvass Re-Inspection

Feb 24, 2026

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

5-202.12 (B-D) : MUST ADJUST HAND WASHING SINK IN MEN'S CUSTOMER'S TOILET ROOM TO STAY ON LONGER FOR HAND WASHING.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11 : OBSERVED BOXED FOODS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER MUST STORE ON SHELVING UNITS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

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 contamination
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 3- DOOR PREP COOLER IN SANDWICH SHOP PREP AREA.

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(C) : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL PREP TABLES, GRILL TABLES,FRYER CABINETS, PIPES, SHELVING UNITS,STORAGE CABINETS,PREP COOLERS THROUGHOUT ALL PREP AREAS.

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

6-201.11 : MUST CLEAN GREASE & FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP WALLS THROUGHTOUT PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.DUST BUILD UP FROM WALLS VENTS AND CEILING ABOVE PREP AREAS.

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

6-202.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR MAIN KITCHEN AND DISH MACHINE AREA.

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 24, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 17, 2026

Fail

12 recorded violations

notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FEMALE FOOD HANDLER EATING IN FOOD PREP AREA INSTRUCTED TO EAT IN A DESIGNATED AREA ONLY.(COS)

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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SLOW DRAIN AT HAND SINK IN WOMEN'S STAFF TOILET ROOM AND MAINTAIN.MUST ADJUST HAND WASHING SINK IN MEN'S CUSTOMER'S TOILET ROOM TO STAY ON LONGER FOR HAND WASHING.

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 15Other

Official wording

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION OF READY TO EAT COOKED FOODS OBSERVED POOLING LIQUID JUICE ON PLASTIC WRAP OF A PAN OF APPX. 2LBS COOKED BARLEY STORED UNDERNEATH THAWING HAMS ON ROLLING CART INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER .PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST STORE IN A PROPER MANNER.APPX. 2LBS. $15.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(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 25Food temperature

Official wording

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER NOR DISCLOSURE ON MENU OF CONSUMING RAW AND UNDERCOOKED FOODS IN BEST OF LOCAL KITCHEN (EGGS) MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)

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 EVIDENCE OF APPX. 40 OR MORE MICE DROPPING ON FLOOR AND IN BETWEEN MASSIVE CLUTTER OF ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR AND UNDER DISH STORAGE SHELVES IN OVERFLOW STORAGE AREA,ALSO.APPX. 25 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS AND CEILINGS IN DISH MACHINE AREA,COFFEE ,BURGERS & BURRITO, SANDWICH SHOP PREP AREAS.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 2/17/26.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BOXED FOODS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER MUST STORE ON SHELVING UNITS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

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 contamination
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SOME WORN AND PITTED CUTTING BOARDS TO BE 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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BOWLS TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INTO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK NOR PLACE IN DISH MACHINE MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON HOW TO PROPERLY WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE EQUIPMENT.

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

MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL PREP TABLES, GRILL TABLES,FRYER CABINETS, PIPES, SHELVING UNITS,STORAGE CABINETS,PREP COOLERS THROUGHOUT ALL PREP AREAS.

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

MUST CLEAN GREASE & FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP WALLS THROUGHTOUT PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.DUST BUILD UP FROM WALLS VENTS AND CEILING ABOVE PREP AREAS.

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR MAIN KITCHEN AND DISH MACHINE AREA.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER AND MAINTAIN.

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 17, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 1, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

4 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 47.5-54.5F. OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HAM(48.4-54.5F), BACON(50.7F), HARD BOILED EGG CRUMBLES(51.1F), WATERMELON AND CANTALOUPE CHUNKS(50.1F), CHICKEN(50.9-51.1F), ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS(47.5F) ROASTED BEETS(49.8F), SHREDDED CHEESE(50.7-52.3F), TUNA(50.2F), COUSCOUS SALAD(47.8F), GARBANZO BEAN SALAD(48.6F), PASTA SALAD(52.2F), ROASTED SQUASH(50.0F), BEAN SALAD WITH SLICED TOMATOES(50.7F) AND KALE SALAD(47.7F) HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $150 WEIGHING 30LBS. 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WATER LEAKING FROM BOTH DRAIN PIPES OF THE RINSE AND WASH COMPARTMENTS OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BOTH DRAIN PIPES OF RINSE AND WASH COMPARTMENTS OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK 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 MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN TILES IN BOTH DISHWASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPLACE ALL MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN TILES IN BOTH DISHWASHING AREAS FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

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 NON WORKING LIGHTS IN HOOD WHERE FRYER IS LOCATED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR REPAIR ALL NON WORKING LIGHTS IN HOOD WHERE FRYER IS LOCATED AT AND MAINTAIN.

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, Jul 1, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

May 2, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE COUNTERS AND PREP TABLES THROUGHTOUT MAIN KITCHEN, DISH WASHING AREA, AND PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP WIPE CLOTHS STORED IN 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 problems
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE (WASTE CAN WITH LID) INSIDE WOMENS EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE FOR FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS.

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

MUST CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE DISH AREA, IN THE PRODUCE WALK-IN COOLER, AND IN THE MAIN WALK-IN COOLER UNDER SHELVING.

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 INSUFFICIENT LIGHTING IN THE WALK-IN PRODUCE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.

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, May 2, 2024 · Original Source

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