Complaint Re-Inspection
Aug 4, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 4, 2025 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Portillo's Hot Dogs
100 W Ontario St
Last inspected Aug 4, 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
8 inspectionsComplaint
Jul 23, 2025
Fail
9 recorded violations
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE AT THE FAR RIGHT COMPARTMENT OF THE DISHWASHING 4-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK 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 problemsnotedCode 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 LOCATED AT REAR ADJACENT TO THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.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 22Food temperature
Official wording
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF (TCS FOODS) HELD INSIDE OF THE 2-DRAWER COOLER IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM THE DRIVE-THRU-WINDOW.OBSERVED COOKED BEEF AT 47.3F-48.0F AND HOT DOGS AT 48.6F-51.5F.MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 35#'S OF FOOD WORTH $400.00.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO MONITOR AND MAINTAIN ALL COLD (TCS FOODS) AT 41F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.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 temperaturenotedCode 33Food temperature
Official wording
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE 2-DRAWER COOLER IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA DIRECTLY ACROSS THE DRIVE-THRU WINDOW WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50.0F.THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE (TCS FOODS) SUCH AS BEEF AND HOT DOGS ETC.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID COOLER AT 41F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.THE SAID COOLER IS TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION" AT THIS TIME.INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED. (**SEE COMMENTS).
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 temperaturenotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.APPROXIMATELY OVER 100 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS OBSERVED ON THE WALLS AND CEILINGS AND EQUIPMENTS IN THE REAR SIDE CONNECTING WASTE GARBAGE DUMPSTER/RECYCLABLES ROOM.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY AND MAINTAIN.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 CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE (MIDDLE) WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA.MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES 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 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2615776 DATED: 04/14/2025 #55---6-501.12: **C** Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions OBSERVED EQUIPMENT UNDERNEATH SHELVING UNITS IN FIRST FLOOR DISHWASHING AREA. OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH SHELVING UNITS IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH SHELVING UNITS IN FIRST FLOOR DISHWASHING AREA AND BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA AND MAINTAIN. #55---6-501.11: **C** Maintained in Good Repair, Facilities (FACILITIES NOT IN GOOD REPAIR) OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. OBSERVED MISSING TILES IN AREA NEAR WALK IN COOLERS DOORS AND IN AREA NEAR PREP TABLE AND HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL MISSING CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. #56---6-303.11: **C** Intensity- Lighting OBSERVED NONWORKING LIGHT IN SOUTHSIDE HOOD IN PASTA AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE NONWORKING LIGHT IN SOUTHSIDE HOOD IN PASTA AREA. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN 7/31/2025.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 findingnotedCode 54Facility maintenance
Official wording
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED COMMERCIAL GARBAGE DUMPSTER IN POOR REPAIR/LEAKING LIQUID WASTE ONTO THE GROUND FLOOR AT THE REAR SIDE CONNECTING WASTE GARBAGE DUMPSTER/REFUSE STORAGE ROOM.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SAID COMMERCIAL DUMPSTER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE/FOUL ODORS AND BETTER MAINTAIN STORAGE REFUSE AREA.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 issuesnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS 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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 23, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint
Apr 14, 2025
Pass
2 recorded violations
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. OBSERVED MISSING TILES IN AREA NEAR WALK IN COOLERS DOORS AND IN AREA NEAR PREP TABLE AND HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL MISSING CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.
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
OBSERVED NONWORKING LIGHT IN SOUTHSIDE HOOD IN PASTA AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE NONWORKING LIGHT IN SOUTHSIDE HOOD IN PASTA AREA.
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, Apr 14, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint Re-Inspection
Jun 13, 2024
Pass
1 recorded violation
notedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
6-202.15: OBSERVED OPENINGS ON LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES IN CORNERS AT BASE AND ALONG BOTTOM OF EXTERIOR GARAGE LIKE DOOR IN DUMPSTER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
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 insectsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 13, 2024 · Original Source
Complaint
Jun 10, 2024
Fail
3 recorded violations
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED IMPROPER FRESH HOT WATER SANITIZING RINSE FOR A STATIONARY RACK HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE AT 142F. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE, THE TEMPERATURE OF THE FRESH HOT WATER SANITIZING RINSE AS IT ENTERS THE MANIFOLD MAY NOT BE LESS THAN 165F. PRIORITY 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 problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED ONE ROACH CRAWLING ON FLOOR IN BARNELLI'S KITCHEN. RECOMMENDED PEST CONTROL SERVICE FACILITY ON OR AFTER 6/10/2024 TO ELIMINATE ROACH ACTIVITY. CORRECTED ON SITE ROACH KILLED BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. 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 48Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED TEMPERATURE OF THE WASH SOLUTION IN HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 138F. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE WASH SOLUTION IN SPRAY TYPE WAREWASHERS THAT USE HOT WATER TO SANITIZE FOR A STATIONARY RACK, DUAL TEMPERATURE MACHINE MAY NOT BE LESS THAN 150F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 10, 2024 · Original Source
Complaint
Feb 21, 2024
Pass w/ Conditions
3 recorded violations
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED LEAKING DRAIN PIPE ON RINSE SINK WITH SPRAYER NEXT TO DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DRAIN PIPE 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 problemsnotedCode 22Food temperature
Official wording
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED DICED TOMATOES, COLD TCS FOOD, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 49.0F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $10 WEIGHING 2LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION.
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 temperaturenotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NON WORKING LIGHT IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE LIGHT BULB TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY IN WALK-IN FREEZER.
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 21, 2024 · Original Source
Complaint Re-Inspection
Nov 2, 2023
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 2, 2023 · Original Source
Short Form Complaint
Oct 25, 2023
Fail
1 recorded violation
notedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF IMPROPER PEST CONTROL INSIDE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 35 SMALL LIVE FLIES ON WALL BEHIND BAR AREA AND WALL BEHING ICE CREAM MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLENA AND SANITIZED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE FLYING INSECT PROBLEM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020. 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 insectsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 25, 2023 · Original Source