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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Halal Smash Burger And Phillies

5019 N Western Ave

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

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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Aug 3, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

3 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WHILE TCS FOODS (HAMBURGERS) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13 CLEAN THE TOP OF THE PREP COOLER UNDERNEATH THE GRILL, INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS AND FREEZERS, DEEP FRYERS, AND PREP TABLES.

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

6-501.12 CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND DISHWASHING AREA. CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND DISHWASHING 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 3, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Jul 24, 2026

Fail

3 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY AND EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND BASEMENT. OBSERVED ONE LIVE COCKROACH IN A CREVICE BETWEEN THE LEDGE AND WALL BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER. ALSO OBSERVED APPROX. 15 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE DISHWASHING AREA UNDER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND LEDGE, BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER AND REFRIGERATOR ALONG THE WALL AND IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

CLEAN THE TOP OF THE PREP COOLER UNDERNEATH THE GRILL, INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS AND FREEZERS, DEEP FRYERS, AND PREP TABLES.

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

CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND DISHWASHING AREA. CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND DISHWASHING 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 24, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Sep 23, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

8 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

PERSON IN CHARGE AT THE INITIAL INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

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 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT INITIAL INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGER WAS TELEPHONED UPON MY ARRIVAL AND ARRIVED ON SITE APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES LATER. 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--- NOTED THE FRONT DOOR OF THE ENTRANCE WAY UNABLE TO CLOSE COMPLETELY. OPEN GAP ON THE BOTTOM TOP AND SIDE OF DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO ALLOW THE DOOR TO COMPLETELY CLOSE.

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

4-101.19-----MUST NOT USE PLASTIC CRATES AS ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS INDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. FLOORS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR CLEANING AND MONITORING 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 problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(B)---- INTERIOR OF ALL FREEZERS AND COOLERS WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE. 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 problems
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

6-501.18---- NOTED DIRTY TOILET AND WASHBOWL IN THE WASHROOM. 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11--- ALL EXPANDING SPRAY FOAM THAT IS BUMPY AND UNABLE TO CLEAN THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY BEING USED AS SEALANT FOR OPENINGS AND HOLES MUST BE SMOOTHED DOWN/CUT DOWN TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE. FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IE: WASHROOM, DISH ROOM, BEHIND COOKS LINE, THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AND HALLWAY WITH DIRT, GREASE AND DEBRIS.----FOOD SPLATTERED WALLS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AND DISH ROOM. 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 problems
notedCode 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #60 NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2623631 ON 9-10-25. 8-404.13(B:4) PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2616448 ON 4-25-25 NOT CORRECTED. #58- OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.PRIORITY 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 finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 23, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Sep 10, 2025

Fail

18 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE FIRST HOUR OF INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. 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 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE FIRST HOUR OF THE INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGER WAS TELEPHONED AT THE INITIAL INSPECTION AND ARRIVED ONE HOUR LATER. 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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

NO PAPER TOWELS LOCATED AT THE COOKS LINE HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

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

THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE THE COOKS LINE THREE DOOR COOLER. EGGS AT 57.2F, AMERICAN CHEESE AT 60.9F, SLICED TOMATOES AT 55.8F, DAIRY BASED GYRO SAUCE AT 54.7. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. 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

FACILITIES UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TEMPERATURES. COOKS LINE THREE DOOR COOLER NOTED AT 62.7F WITH TCS FOOD SUCH AS GYRO SAUCE AT 54.7F. COOLER TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND MAINTAINS A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. 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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

ALL BULK FOODS NOT STORED IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

NOTED THE FRONT DOOR OF THE ENTRANCE WAY UNABLE TO CLOSE COMPLETELY. OPEN GAP ON THE BOTTOM TOP AND SIDE OF DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO ALLOW THE DOOR TO COMPLETELY CLOSE.

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

MUST NOT STORED BAGGED READY TO EAT BREAD ON THE TOP A DIRTY GARBAGE CAN OR DIRECTLY UNDER THE COOKS LINE HAND WASHING SINK. MUST STORE FOODS PROTECTED.

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 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE HAT/HAIR AND BEARD RESTRAINTS FOR ALL FOOD HANDLES.

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 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED 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 problems
notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

KNIFE IMPROPERLY STORED BETWEEN THE COOKS LINE COOLER AND CUTTING BOARD. MUST PROVIDE A PROPER KNIFE HOLDER OR STORE ON A CLEAN CUTTING BOARD.

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 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY MUST BE STORED 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 issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.

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

INTERIOR OF ALL FREEZERS AND COOLERS WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE. DOOR RUBBER GASKETS OF THE DRAWER COOLER WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS. INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE OVEN WITH FOOD SPILLAGE AND GREASE. 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 problems
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED DIRTY TOILET AND WASHBOWL IN THE WASHROOM. 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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OUTSIDE GREASE RECEPTACLE WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE SPILLAGE ON THE TOP OF THE CONTAINER SPILLING OVER TO THE GROUND. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE GREASE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. 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 issues
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

NOTED SOILED MOP HEAD IMPROPERLY STORED IN THE DISH ROOM. SOILED MOPS MUST BE STORED INVERTED IN THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK 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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2616448 ON 4-25-25 NOT CORRECTED. #58- OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.#56- OBSERVED MECHANICAL VENTILATION NOT WORKING INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE MECHANICAL VENTILATION AND MAINTAIN.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 finding

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

License

Apr 25, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MECHANICAL VENTILATION NOT WORKING INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE MECHANICAL VENTILATION 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
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

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, Apr 25, 2025 · Original Source

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