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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Nicky's

5801 S Kedzie Ave

Last inspected May 22, 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

6 inspections

Short Form Complaint

May 22, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN CUSTOMER RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IS REQUIRED AT ALL HANDSINKS.

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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RUST ON INTERIOR SIDE OF ICE MACHINE/SCREWS. INSTRUCTED PERSON TO REMOVE AND 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BUILD UP ON INTERIOR OF 2-DOOR COLD HOLD UNIT IN REAR OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 22, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

May 11, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN CUSTOMER RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IS REQUIRED AT ALL HANDSINKS.

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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RUST ON INTERIOR SIDE OF ICE MACHINE/SCREWS. INSTRUCTED PERSON TO REMOVE AND 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BUILD UP ON INTERIOR OF 2-DOOR COLD HOLD UNIT IN REAR OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 11, 2026 · Original Source

Short Form Complaint

Jun 11, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

4-204.112(B) OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE DISPLAY COOLER AT THE FRONT LINE. 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

3-302.12 OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (WITH SEASONINGS LEMON PEPPER, BARBRQUE SPICE AND BEANS) WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-307.11 OBSERVED SMALL WHITE BOWL INSIDE FOOD CONTAINER WITH BEANS BEING USED AS A SCOOP IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

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 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14 OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.

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

2-102.13 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 11, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

May 27, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14 OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.

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

2-102.13 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO 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 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

4-204.112(B) OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE DISPLAY COOLER AT THE FRONT LINE. 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

3-302.12 OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (WITH SEASONINGS LEMON PEPPER, BARBRQUE SPICE AND BEANS) WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-307.11 OBSERVED SMALL WHITE BOWL INSIDE FOOD CONTAINER WITH BEANS BEING USED AS A SCOOP IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 27, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

May 16, 2025

Fail

9 recorded violations

notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.

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 5Other

Official wording

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FACILITY WITH NO VOMIT DIARRHEAL SPILL KIT AND NO CORRESPONDING CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. 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 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE DISPLAY COOLER AT THE FRONT LINE. 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 FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (WITH SEASONINGS LEMON PEPPER, BARBRQUE SPICE AND BEANS) WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SMALL WHITE BOWL INSIDE FOOD CONTAINER WITH BEANS BEING USED AS A SCOOP IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED; SINK IS LEAKING MASSIVELY AT DRAINPIPE WHEN WATER FROM ONE COMPARTMENT IS DRAINED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-025. 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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER WITH BROKEN AND CRACKED LID PREVENTING TIGHT FITTING LID. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. 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 IMPROPER STORAGE OF MOP INSIDE OF EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.

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 NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 16, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 22, 2024

Pass

7 recorded violations

notedCode 28Chemicals

Official wording

TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PERSONAL CARE ITEMS STORED ABOVE DRY FOOD ITEMS AT THE STORAGE SHELF (NEAR STAIRS). INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE PERSONAL CARE ITEMS SO THEY DO NOT CONTAMINATE FOOD OR EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
notedCode 35Food temperature

Official wording

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RAW PORK RIB TIPS THAWING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE AT THE REAR STORAGE SHELF (NEAR STAIRS), AT 34.5F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE TO REFRIGERATION AND USE APPROVED THAWING METHODS, SUCH AS THAWING UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER AND MAINTAIN.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MULTI-USE BOWL USED AS SCOOP IN BULK DRY FOOD CONTAINER (NEAR WALK-IN COOLER). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BOWL AND REPLACE WITH UTENSIL WITH A HANDLE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION 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 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IN-USE LADLE STORED IN STILL WATER AT COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LADLE FROM STILL WATER AND STORE IN-USE UTENSILS ON CLEAN, DRY SURFACE 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 issues
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NEAR WALK-IN COOLER TO BE SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT AND FOOD CONTAINERS AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL 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

OBSERVED FLOOR BENEATH DRY STGORAGE SHELF NEAR WALK-IN COOLER TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL 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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BULK DRY FOOD CONTAINERS WITHOUT ADEQUATE IDENTITY LABELS ON SHELF IN UPSTAIRS DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DRY FOOD CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD AND MAINTAIN.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 22, 2024 · Original Source

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