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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Nick's Drive Inn

7216 N Harlem Ave

Last inspected Jan 17, 2025 · 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

Jan 17, 2025

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLER CARDS ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

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 17, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 10, 2025

Fail

8 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. 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

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE INSIDE RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SIGNAGE.

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 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND INSIDE PREP COOLER NEAR CASH REGISTER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

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 HEAVY BUILD UP OF ICE INSIDE FREEZER USED TO STORE ICE CREAM NEXT TO MILKSHAKE MIXER. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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 CRACKED HOT WATER KNOB ON HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN REAR ALCOVE NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT. SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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 BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME IN INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE LOCATED ON FRONT COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLER CARDS ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2589137 DATED 2/5/2024: #38 "NOTED REAR EXIT DOOR TO THE BUILDING NOT RODENT PROOF WITH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR (ABOUT 1/4 INCH). INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAPS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. 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, Jan 10, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Feb 5, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, REMOVE CARDBOARD BOXES FROM THE FLOOR OF THE WALK IN FREEZER AND FOOD 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

NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-202.15: NOTED REAR EXIT DOOR TO THE BUILDING NOT RODENT PROOF WITH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR (ABOUT 1/4 INCH). INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAPS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.

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

4-201.11: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE WALK IN FREEZER AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.

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, Feb 5, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 29, 2024

Fail

9 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (HAMBURGER, CHICKEN SOUPS ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED, AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) 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

NOTED REAR EXIT DOOR TO THE BUILDING NOT RODENT PROOF WITH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR (ABOUT 1/4 INCH). INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAPS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.

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

NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY 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 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO 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 29Other

Official wording

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

Inspector’s notes

NOTED PREMISE MAKING YOGURT WITH NO HACCP PLAN OR VARIANCE AS REQUIRED BY THE CITY ORDINANCE. MUST USE COMMERCIALLY PREPARED YOGURT UNTIL A HACCP PLAN APPROVAL IS OBTAINED.MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 60 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $180.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005(A). 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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

NOTED A CONTAINER OF MILK AND CRANBERRY JUICE BOTTLE STORED INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE CONTAINER. ICE USED FOR CUSTOMER CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CONTAINER OF MILK AND DISPOSE OF ICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

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

NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE WALK IN FREEZER AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.

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 DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, REMOVE CARDBOARD BOXES FROM THE FLOOR OF THE WALK IN FREEZER AND FOOD 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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 RULE #PA-100-0367 FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2579021 DATED 7/25/2023 NOT CORRECTED. NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090

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, Jan 29, 2024 · Original Source

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