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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Red Barrel

5214-5220 S Archer Ave

Last inspected Feb 13, 2026 · 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

6 inspections

Canvass Re-Inspection

Feb 13, 2026

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-202.15: OBSERVED OPENINGS ON ENTRANCE AND EXIT DOORS OF FACILITY. OBSERVED OPENINGS ON RIGHTSIDE OF FRONT ENTRANCE OUTER DOOR, OBSERVED OPENING IN MIDDLE OF BOTH DOORS AND AT BASE OF RIGHT DOOR OF DOUBLE EXIT DOOR LEADING TO DUMPSTER AREA AND OBSERVED OPENING AT BASE OF LEFT CORNER OF EXIT DOOR IN BANQUET HALL. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL 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 insects
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-101.19: OBSERVED BOXES, CONTAINERS AND RACKS STORED ON FLOOR OR ON MILK CRATES IN FACILITY. OBSERVED BOXES, CONTAINERS OR RACKS STORED ON FLOOR OR ON MILK CRATES IN DRY STORAGE/DISHWASHING AREA AND ARCHER REAR EXIT DOOR IN HALLWAY NEXT TO PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

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

4-301.16: OBSERVED NO PREP/DUMP SINK IN BEVERAGE STATION. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A PREP/DUMP SINK IN BEVERAGE STATION A MINIMUM OF ONE SINK USED FOR FOOD PREPARATION, OBTAINING WATER AND DISCARDING LIQUID WASTE IS REQUIRED IN ANY PREPARATION AREA.

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

6-501.11: OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AND MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES IN AREA NEAR BROILER AND OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR FLOOR TILES AND REGROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES WHERE GROUT IS MISSING IN SAID AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY. OBSERVED STAINED OR DUSTY CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. OBSERVED STAINED OR DUSTY CEILING IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND STOREROOM WITH HOT WATER TANK INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED OR DUSTY CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

6-303.11: OBSERVED NON WORKING LIGHTS IN HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR NON WORKING LIGHTS IN HOOD AND MAINTAIN.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13: AT TIME OF INSPECTION FACILITY PROVIDED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ONE EMPLOYEE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 13, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 30, 2026

Fail

11 recorded violations

notedCode 5Other

Official wording

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ALL NECESSARY ITEMS NOT ON PREMISES FOR COMPLYING WITH PROCEDURE AVAILABLE ON SITE WHEN EMPLOYEES RESPOND TO VOMITTING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON PREMISES ALL NECESSARY ITEMS TO FOLLOW WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITTING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. 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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO EXPOSED SINKS FOR HANDWASHING LOCATED IN BARISTA PREP AREA AND IN BANQUET HALL BAR. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS IN BARISTA PREP AREA AND IN BANQUET HALL BAR FOR CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)

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 21Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HOT TCS FOOD(BACON) HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 128.3F. INSTRUCTED ALL HOT TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 135F OR ABOVE. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $10 WEIGHING 0.25LBS. CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION BELOW 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 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 46.2-50.2F. OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, SHRIMP(46.2F) AND HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM(50.2F) HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $5 WEIGHING 1LBS. CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION ABOVE 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 25Food temperature

Official wording

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SOME ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT CAN BE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS WITH NO ASTERISK IDENTIFYING THEM AS SUCH. INSTRUCTED TO ADD AN ASTERISK TO ALL ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT CAN BE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS. OBSERVED DISCLOSURE ON MENU NOT STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO UPDATE DISCLOSURE ON MENU TO STATE THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED OPENINGS ON ENTRANCE AND EXIT DOORS OF FACILITY. OBSERVED OPENINGS ON RIGHTSIDE OF FRONT ENTRANCE OUTER DOOR, OBSERVED OPENING IN MIDDLE OF BOTH DOORS AND AT BASE OF RIGHT DOOR OF DOUBLE EXIT DOOR LEADING TO DUMPSTER AREA AND OBSERVED OPENING AT BASE OF LEFT CORNER OF EXIT DOOR IN BANQUET HALL. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL 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 insects
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BOXES, CONTAINERS AND RACKS STORED ON FLOOR OR ON MILK CRATES IN FACILITY. OBSERVED BOXES, CONTAINERS OR RACKS STORED ON FLOOR OR ON MILK CRATES IN DRY STORAGE/DISHWASHING AREA AND ARCHER REAR EXIT DOOR IN HALLWAY NEXT TO PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

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 NO PREP/DUMP SINK IN BEVERAGE STATION. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A PREP/DUMP SINK IN BEVERAGE STATION A MINIMUM OF ONE SINK USED FOR FOOD PREPARATION, OBTAINING WATER AND DISCARDING LIQUID WASTE IS REQUIRED IN ANY PREPARATION AREA.

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 DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AND MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES IN AREA NEAR BROILER AND OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR FLOOR TILES AND REGROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES WHERE GROUT IS MISSING IN SAID AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY. OBSERVED STAINED OR DUSTY CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. OBSERVED STAINED OR DUSTY CEILING IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND STOREROOM WITH HOT WATER TANK INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED OR DUSTY CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NON WORKING LIGHTS IN HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR NON WORKING LIGHTS IN HOOD AND MAINTAIN.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

AT TIME OF INSPECTION FACILITY PROVIDED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ONE EMPLOYEE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 30, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

May 30, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-205.15: AIR CONDITIONING DRAIN LINE IMPROPERLY DRAINING INTO MIDDLE BASIN OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO PROPERLY ROUTE DRAIN 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
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

5-501.17: MISSING COVER FOR RECEPTACLE IN EMPLOYEE UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO PROVIDE COVER 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 30, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

May 29, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

3 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

MAIN LOW TEMPERATURE WAREWASHING UNIT IN USE AND UNABLE TO SANITIZE, 0PPM OF SANITIZER AFTER COMPLETE CYCLE. UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTD NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-025 PRIORITY. INSTD TO USE 3-COMPARTMENT TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL MULTI USE EQUIPMENT

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

AIR CONDITIONING DRAIN LINE IMPROPERLY DRAINING INTO MIDDLE BASIN OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO PROPERLY ROUTE DRAIN 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
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

MISSING COVER FOR RECEPTACLE IN EMPLOYEE UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO PROVIDE COVER 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 29, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Mar 15, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HOLE IN FLOOR OF WALK-IN COOLER CAUSING WATER TO POOL. THE PERSON IN CHARGE INSTRUCTED ME TO REPAIR THE FLOOR TO MAKE THE 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 15, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 1, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

2 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING IN BAR AREA. THE SANITIZING STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. EQUIPMENT MUST BE PROPERLY SANITIZED AT A MINIMUM OF 50 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNIT UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (CDPH). TAGGED UNIT. (ALTERNATIVE WAREWASHING AVAILABLE ON SITE). 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 problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HOLE IN FLOOR OF WALK-IN COOLER CAUSING WATER TO POOL. THE PERSON IN CHARGE INSTRUCTED ME TO REPAIR THE FLOOR TO MAKE THE 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 1, 2024 · Original Source

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