Complaint Re-Inspection
Feb 24, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 24, 2025 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Half Acre Beer Company
2050 W Balmoral Ave
Last inspected Feb 24, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Pass
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
6 inspectionsComplaint
Feb 14, 2025
Fail
8 recorded violations
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 OR VALID DOCUMENTATION ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (JAMBALAYA,GUMBO,GRILLADES ETC.)IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO CUSTOMERS.INSTRUCTED PERSON-IN-CHARGE THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON THE PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN (TCS FOODS)ARE PREPARED,HANDLED, AND/OR SERVED.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND POST ORIGINAL CERTIFICATES AS REQUIRED.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 issuesnotedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE 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 23Food source and labeling
Official wording
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED (TCS FOODS) PREPARED ON SITE TO BE PAST THE ALLOWABLE USE BY DATE WRITTEN ON THE FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE WALK IN COOLER. (TCS FOODS) WERE PREPARED ON 2/1,3,5/2025.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD AND TRACK DAILY TO ENSURE ALL FOOD IS DISCARDED BY THE ALLOWABLE USE BY DATE.THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE USE BY DATE MAY NOT EXCEED 7 DAYS, WITH THE FIRST DAY OF PREPARATION COUNTING AS DAY 1. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS BRANDADE DE MORUE (SALTED COD,POTATO PUREE,TOAST POINTS),COOKED CHICKEN,GARLIC AOLI STORED INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER.APPROXIMATE WEIGHT OF 10 LBS OF FOOD WORTH $150.00. PRIORITY 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 problemsnotedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE SMALL REFRIGERATOR IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.APPROXIMATELY 80 RODENT (MICE) DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR INSIDE THE REAR CLUTTERED CHEMICAL STORAGE ROOM AND INSIDE THE MECHANICAL/FURNACE ROOM ADJACENT TO THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE DISHMACHINE AT THE BAR AREA.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS IN DETAIL.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 insectsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS 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 DIRTY FLOORS WITH LITTER AND DEBRIS UNDERNEATH THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AT BAR AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL 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 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS ON CEILING VENTILATION IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND WASHROOMS 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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 14, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Feb 7, 2024
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 7, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Feb 2, 2024
Fail
5 recorded violations
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils
Official wording
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector’s notes
4-904.11--OBSERVED POTS AND PANS AND TABLEWARE UTENSILS NOT PROPERLY STORED.INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT POTS/PANS AND TABLEWARE UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE (HANDLES-UP) AND MAINTAIN.
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 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-201.13--INSTRUCTED TO SEAL NOTCEABLE OPENINGS ON WALL UNDERNEATH THE TAP BEVERAGE SYSTEM AT THE BAR AREA 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 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
6-501.111--OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60 RODENT (MICE) DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE REAR DRY STORAGE RACKS AND IN ELECTRICAL ROOM ADJACENT TO THE KITCHEN,IN CLUTTERED REAR CHEMICAL STORAGE CLOSET AND IN THE BAR AREA ON SHELF UNDERNEATH THE TAP BEVERAGE SYSTEM.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)
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 insectsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
4-602.13-- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER TO REMOVE MOLD-LIKE BUILD-UP 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 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
6-501.14--INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS ON CEILING VENTILATION IN WASHROOMS AND MAINTAN.
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, Feb 2, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Jan 31, 2024
Fail
6 recorded violations
notedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60 RODENT (MICE) DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE REAR DRY STORAGE RACKS AND IN ELECTRICAL ROOM ADJACENT TO THE KITCHEN,IN CLUTTERED REAR CHEMICAL STORAGE CLOSET AND IN THE BAR AREA ON SHELF UNDERNEATH THE TAP BEVERAGE SYSTEM.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS.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 insectsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE UTILITY THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM/EMPLOYEE BREAK ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS,UNUSED FOOD EQUIPMENTS DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.
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 44Equipment and utensils
Official wording
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED POTS AND PANS AND TABLEWARE UTENSILS NOT PROPERLY STORED.INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT POTS/PANS AND TABLEWARE UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE (HANDLES-UP) AND MAINTAIN.
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 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER TO REMOVE MOLD-LIKE BUILD-UP 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 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s notes
FOUND THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE (NOT IN USE) LOCATED AT BAR AREA FINAL SANITIZING RINSE AT 0 PPM CHLORINE CONCENTRATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. A MECHANICAL DISHWASHING MACHINES SHOULD PROVIDE A FINAL SANITIZING RINSE OF EITHER 50 – 100 PPM CHLORINE (FOR CHEMICAL SANITIZING MACHINE) OR 180F FINAL RINSE (FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING MACHINE). DISHMACHINE IS TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION" INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED (** SEE COMMENTS BELOW).PRIORITY VIOLATION 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 problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS ON CEILING VENTILATION IN WASHROOMS AND MAINTAN.
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, Jan 31, 2024 · Original Source
Non-Inspection
Dec 28, 2023
No Entry
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 28, 2023 · Original Source