Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Humboldt Haus Deli & Liquor

Name: Humboldt Haus Deli & Liquor
Address: 2954-2958 W North Ave, Chicago, IL

2954-2958 W North Ave

Last inspected Oct 1, 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

6 inspections

Complaint

Oct 1, 2026

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED OPEN CUP OF ICE AND WATER STORED ON PREP TABLE NEXT TO SLICED LETTUCE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLOSED BEVERAGE CONTAINER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

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

OBSERVED NO HAND CLEANSER AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN (IN USE) BASEMENT PREP AREA DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR PROPER HANDWASHING AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED. PIC PROVIDED AT THIS TIME.

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

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED INTERNAL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH VISIBLE BLACK MOLD LIKE BUILD UP ON PANELS OF EQUIPMENT DRIPPING ONTO ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUTMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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 38Pests

Official wording

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 15 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA ON WALL, CARDBOARD BOXES STORED ON SHELVING RACKS, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET NECK AND ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF 2 DOOR COOLING UNITS. RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE, MUST ELIMINATE LIVE FLY 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 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED IMPROPERLY ON CUTTING BOARDS IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A SOLUTION WITH SOLUTION @ 50PPM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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

OBSERVD CUTTING BOARDS IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA WITH DEEP CUTS ARE DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.

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

OBSERVD MOPS STORED IMPROPERLY INSIDE MOP BUCKETS AND SOILED WATER INSIDE UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO HANG DRY TO PROHIBIT PEST 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 problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 1, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Apr 20, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 55 LBS OF VARIETY DELI MEAT STORED INSIDE BASEMENT PREP AREA 2 DOOR COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED TEMPERATURE OF PACKAGED MEAT RANING BETWEEN 49-55.0F. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 2 LBS COOKED EGGPLANT AND 2 LBS ZUCHINNI STORED IN ADDITIONAL COOLING UNIT IN BASEMENT PREP TEMPERATURE @58F. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL COLD TCS FOOD @41F AND BELOW AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.PIC VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED ALL SAID FOOD ITEMS. TOTAL COST APPROX $100. 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 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER OPERATING IN SANDWICH PREP WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED INTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLING UNITS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP AREA WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF BUILDUP.

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

OBSERVED OUTSIDE RECEPTACLES NOT MAINTAINED DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED LARGE BLACK TRASHBAGS OVERFLOWING IN ALL 3 RECEPTACLES LOCATED IN RECEPTACLE AREA. NOTED LIDS WIDE OPEN AND UNABLE TO CLOSE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TIGHT FITTED LIDS ON SAID RECEPTACLES IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST 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

OBSERVED FLOORS IN COFFEE PREP AREA EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TRASH, DRIED DEBRIS ETC 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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.

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 20, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Oct 17, 2025

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

4-204.112(B): **C** Temperature Measuring Devices (NO THERMOMETER IN EQUIPMENT) OBSERVED NO ABIENT AIR THERMOMETERS IN REACH COOLERS THROUGHOUT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

4-904.11: **C** Kitchenware and Tableware- Preventing Contamination OBSERVED IN BASEMENT STORAGE EQUIPMENT NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.

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

4-903.12: **C** Prohibitions OBSERVED SEWAGE LINES OVER FOOD AND SINGLE-USE ITEMS IN THE BASEMENT NOT PROPERLY SHIELDED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. NOTED BASEMENT STORAGE ALSO HAS OPEN EXPOSED BRICK WALLS AND EXPOSED BREAKING WOOD CEILING THAT ARE CRUMBLING ONTO SINGLE USE ITEMS MUST PROVIDE BARRIER MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY SHIELD THE SEWAGE LINES TO INTERCEPT POTENTIAL DRIPS OR REMOVE THE ITEMS STORED BENEATH THE SEWAGE LINES.

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

4-501.12: **C** Cutting Surfaces OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AND BASEMENT PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN 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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

5-501.17: **C** Toilet Room Receptacles, Covered OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN ALL-GENDER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 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

6-201.16: **C** Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings OBSERVED EXPOSED BRICK WALLS IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AND PREP AREAS OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AS WALLS SHOULD BE SEALED,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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 17, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Oct 10, 2025

Fail

8 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN BASEMENT WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE CUBES STORED BELOW ICE BIN.ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED

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 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO ABIENT AIR THERMOMETERS IN REACH COOLERS THROUGHOUT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GRAB & GO FOOD ITEMS ON DISPLAY NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS WITH IDENTITY, NET WEIGHT, INGREDIENTS, LIST MAJOR ALLERGENS, BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS WHERE MADE AND PACKAGED, AND PACKAGE AND REPACKAGED & CONSUMPTION DATES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 problems

notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IN BASEMENT STORAGE EQUIPMENT NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.

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

OBSERVED SEWAGE LINES OVER FOOD AND SINGLE-USE ITEMS IN THE BASEMENT NOT PROPERLY SHIELDED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. NOTED BASEMENT STORAGE ALSO HAS OPEN EXPOSED BRICK WALLS AND EXPOSED BREAKING WOOD CEILING THAT ARE CRUMBLING ONTO SINGLE USE ITEMS MUST PROVIDE BARRIER MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY SHIELD THE SEWAGE LINES TO INTERCEPT POTENTIAL DRIPS OR REMOVE THE ITEMS STORED BENEATH THE SEWAGE LINES.

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

OBSERVED MILK CRATES AND PALLETS BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY 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 problems

notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN ALL-GENDER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 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

OBSERVED EXPOSED BRICK WALLS IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AND PREP AREAS OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AS WALLS SHOULD BE SEALED,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

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

Canvass Re-Inspection

Nov 29, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS AT PREPARATION AREAS.MUST PROVIDE.

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.

Nov 26, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

5 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

PERSON IN CHARGE WITH NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATES.MUST PROVIDE.

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

FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATES WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS.(HANDLES ROAST BEEF, TURKEY,ETC.)PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-012.MUST PROVIDE.

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

FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS AT PREPARATION AREAS.MUST PROVIDE.

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

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

FOUND TCS FOODS INSIDE REACH IN COOLER AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES. 2 POUNDS TUNA AT 53.2F, 5 POUNDS SLICED TOMATOES AT 56.3F, 30 POUNDS SLICED CHEESE AT 55.8F, 15 POUNDS ROAST BEEF AT 52.2F, 5 POUNDS TURKEY AT 51.8F, AND 5 POUNDS SALAMI AT 52.3F. PRIORITY VIOLATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.DISPOSED OF 62 POUNDS OF TCS FOODS. VALUE OF TCS FOOD 700 DOLLARS.