Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Happy Lamb Hot Pot

Name: Happy Lamb Hot Pot
Address: 2312 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL

2312 S Wentworth Ave

Last inspected Jan 12, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Canvass

Jan 12, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

7 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY.

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 FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON DUTY. THE PERSON IN CHARGE HAS NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS CERTIFICATE AS REQUIRED; INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED FOR FOOD SERVICE SANITATION 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 issues

notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN WALK IN FREEZER; INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS FOR FOOD ITEMS.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: CAN OPENER BLADE AT PREP TABLES, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOM AREA OF FRYERS, WOK STATION AND INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS.

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

FOUND NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMENS WASHROOM; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS AROUND UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING AND OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT. ALSO CLEAN IN BASEMENT AREA UNDER STORAGE SHELVES.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD 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 issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 12, 2026 · Original Source

License

Feb 18, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 18, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 18, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD-HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. FOUND 15 DOZEN EGGS ON THE FLOOR AT ROOM TEMPERATURE IN THE REAR PREP AREA RANGING 55.2F-60.0F. ALSO FOUND KIMCHI AND TWO DIFFERENT SALADS AT THE FRONT SELF-SERVICE SALAD/ OIL BAR AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF 46.6F-55.0F. THE COLD HOLDING UNIT WAS NOT ON. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. APPROXIMATELY 17LBS AT $90 WORTH OF PRODUCT DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY 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 35Food temperature

Official wording

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING METHODS FOR TCS FOODS. FOUND A CONTAINER OF OCTOPUS AND BOXES OF CHICKEN FOUND THAWING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER METHODS OF THAWING TCS FOODS, SUCH AS LEAVING FROZEN TCS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE A COLD HOLDING UNIT OVERNIGHT TO THAW.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ELECTRICAL INSECT CONTROL DEVICES PLUGGED UP ON DINING ROOM TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING ON DINING TABLES FOR CONSUMERS AND FROM ABOVE FOOD PREP SERVICES.

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 DRY INGREDIENT STORAGE CONTAINERS, PREP PLATED DRY GOODS FOR CONSUMERS, AND DEEP FRYERS WITH GREASE INSIDE NOT COVERED WHILE NOT IN USE AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO COVER ALL FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE FLOORS NEAR THE REAR DISHWASHING AREA FILLED WITH DIRTY DISHES AND DISHWARE WITH OLD FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING A SUBTANTIAL AMOUNT OF DIRTY DISHWARE FROM THE PREVIOUS SERVICE DAY TO PREVENT FEEDING SOURCES FOR PEST.

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

OBSERVED THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA WITH A SLOW DRAIN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 18, 2025 · Original Source

License Re-Inspection

Apr 26, 2024

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

4-204.112(B): OBSERVED THE PREP COOLER IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA LOCATED ACROSS FROM THE STOVE WITHOUT AN AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINAIN.

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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

5-501.17: OBSERVED NO LIDED RECEPTACLES IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM NEAR THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR DISPOSAL OF FEMININE 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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-101.17: OBSERVED RAW WOOD ON THE SHELVING UNITS IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE WOOD OR PAINT WITH FOOD GRADE PAINT TO MAKE SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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): OBSERVED DEBRIS IN THE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE WOK STATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MENTIONED PREP COOLER 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

6-501.114: OBSERVED CLUTTER ACROSS FROM THE HANDWASHING SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE, DECLUTTER AND ORGANIZE MENTIONED 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 problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 26, 2024 · Original Source

License

Apr 25, 2024

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RAW WOOD ON THE SHELVING UNITS IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE WOOD OR PAINT WITH FOOD GRADE PAINT TO MAKE SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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 LIDED RECEPTACLES IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM NEAR THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR DISPOSAL OF FEMININE 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

OBSERVED CLUTTER ACROSS FROM THE HANDWASHING SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE, DECLUTTER AND ORGANIZE MENTIONED 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 problems

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A 2 COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE FRONT SERVICE COUNTER WHERE BEVERAGES WILL BE PREPARED AND A LOW TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SINGLE HANDWASHING SINK TO ALLOW CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES IN ALL FOOD PREPARATION AREAS, FOOD DISPENSING, AND WAREWASHING AREAS. THE HANDWASHING SINK MUST MEET COMPLIANCE BY HAVING WATER FROM AN APPROVED SOURCE BY THE CITY OF CHICAGO, HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER (100-120 F), AND FULLY EQUIPPED WITH HANDWASHING CLEANSER AND HAND DRYING PROVISIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-030(C), NO 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.

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE PREP COOLER IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA LOCATED ACROSS FROM THE STOVE WITHOUT AN AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINAIN.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DEBRIS IN THE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE WOK STATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MENTIONED PREP COOLER 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, Apr 25, 2024 · Original Source