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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Red Lobster #0277

5201 S Pulaski Rd

Last inspected Dec 4, 2025 · 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

7 inspections

Complaint

Dec 4, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MANAGER ON DUTY WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE WHILE TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY, TCS, FOODS ARE STORED, HANDLED, PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE AND POST. 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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS 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 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS IN PREP AREA FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS STORED IMPROPERLY DIRECTLY INSIDE OF FOOD CONTAINER(S). INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD RESIDUE, GREASE BUILD UP AND WATER ON THE FLOORS IN THE DISH WASH AREA. INSTRUCTED 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
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, Dec 4, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Jul 16, 2024

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12 OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DEBRIS, FOOD RESIDUE, AND GREASE BUILD UP ON THE FLOORS AND WALLS OF KITCHEN AREA, BAR AREA, DRY STORAGE ROOM UNDER SHELVING, AND CHEMICAL STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE 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
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13 OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF RESIDUE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE INTERIORS OF REACH-IN COOLERS AND IN THE BAR STORAGE AREA CABINET ON THE BOTTOM SECTION

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, Jul 16, 2024 · Original Source

Short Form Complaint

Jul 8, 2024

Fail

3 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 MOUSE DROPPINGS INSIDE OF BENCH SEAT LOCATED IN DINING ROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS AND SANITIZE AREA, AS WELL AS INFORM PEST CONTROL SERVICE OF ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF RESIDUE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE INTERIORS OF REACH-IN COOLERS AND IN THE BAR STORAGE AREA CABINET ON THE BOTTOM SECTION

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 EXCESSIVE DEBRIS, FOOD RESIDUE, AND GREASE BUILD UP ON THE FLOORS AND WALLS OF KITCHEN AREA, BAR AREA, DRY STORAGE ROOM UNDER SHELVING, AND CHEMICAL STORAGE ROOM. 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, Jul 8, 2024 · Original Source

Short Form Complaint

Jun 28, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

4 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID SANITATION MANAGER TRAINING.

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

OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE AT TIME OF INSPECTION THAT VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE AS WELL AS CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED(FISH, SEAFOOD, ROASTED POTATOES). PRIORITY FOUNDATION #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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF RESIDUE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE INTERIORS OF REACH-IN COOLERS AND IN THE BAR STORAGE AREA CABINET ON THE BOTTOM SECTION

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 EXCESSIVE DEBRIS, FOOD RESIDUE, AND GREASE BUILD UP ON THE FLOORS OF KITCHEN AREA, BAR AREA, DRY STORAGE ROOM UNDER SHELVING, AND CHEMICAL STORAGE ROOM. 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, Jun 28, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Jun 20, 2024

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF RESIDUE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE INTERIORS OF REACH-IN COOLERS AND IN THE BAR STORAGE AREA CABINET ON THE BOTTOM SECTION.

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 EXCESSIVE DEBRIS, FOOD RESIDUE, AND GREASE BUILD UP ON THE FLOORS OF KITCHEN AREA, BAR AREA, DRY STORAGE ROOM UNDER SHELVING, AND CHEMICAL STORAGE ROOM. 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, Jun 20, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Feb 7, 2024

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11 OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN THE STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(C) OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON THE INTERIOR OF THE FREEZER WHERE FROZEN SHRIMP AND BATTER ARE STORED. 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, Feb 7, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 5, 2024

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON THE INTERIOR OF THE FREEZER WHERE FROZEN SHRIMP AND BATTER ARE STORED. 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
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN THE STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE 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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HOT WATER (RANGE OF 66F-70F) AT WASHBOWL SINKS IN RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESTORE HOT WATER TO A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 5, 2024 · Original Source

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