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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

River North Bistro

660 N State St

Last inspected Feb 17, 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

4 inspections

Canvass

Feb 17, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK ON MAIN COOK LINE. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED HANDWASHING SIGN DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SIGNS AT ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS.

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 BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE 2 DOOR COOLER LOCATED OPPOSITE GRILL ON COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DUST AROUND VENTS AND ON CEILING PANELS ABOVE COOK LINE IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 17, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jan 14, 2025

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

5-501.17: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN 26TH FLOOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM ON THE 26TH FLOOR FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS.

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

6-501.11: OBSERVED MISSING FLOORS TILES IN DISHWASHING AREA IN BETWEEN DISH MACHINE AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NEAR FLOOR DRAIN. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPLACE MISSING FLOOR TILES IN SAID AREA 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

6-501.14: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON FILTERS IN HOOD ON WESTSIDE OF COOKLINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FILTERS IN HOOD ON WESTSIDE OF OF COOKLINE.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 14, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 2, 2025

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 9:40AM. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION

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 CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 9:40AM. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES 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 IMPROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE OF 52.0F AT HANDWASHING SINK IN 2ND FLOOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM(RIGHT SIDE HANDWASHING SINK). INSTRUCTED A HANDWASHING SINK SHALL BE EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST 100F THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET. CORRECTED ON SITE HANDWASHING SINK IN 2ND FLOOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM(RIGHT SIDE HANDWASHING SINK) REPAIRED BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION, OBSERVED PROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE OF 110.7F AFTER REPAIR. 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
notedCode 25Food temperature

Official wording

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ASTERISK MISSING ON MENU IDENTIFYING ALL ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS AND OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO ADD ASTERISK IDENTIFYING ALL ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS AND TO ADD DISCLOSURE TO MENU STATING THAT ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK ARE SERVED 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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN 26TH FLOOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM ON THE 26TH FLOOR FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS.

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 FLOORS TILES IN DISHWASHING AREA IN BETWEEN DISH MACHINE AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NEAR FLOOR DRAIN. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPLACE MISSING FLOOR TILES IN SAID AREA 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DIMLY LIT DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY IN DISHWASHING 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 issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 2, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 5, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

8 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES, WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED, COOKED AND SERVED(HAM AND POTATOES). CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 9:55AM. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED, COOKED AND SERVED. 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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE ON 26TH FLOOR SANITIZING IMPROPERLY, 10PPM CHLORINE IN DISHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN, SANITIZE ALL EQUIPMENT AND DISHES IN LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINES WITH 50-100PPM CHLORINE SANITIZER. CORRECTED ON SITE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN DISHROOM ON 26TH FLOOR REPAIRED AND SANITIZING AT 50PPM BEFORE COMPLETION OF INSPECTION. 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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVE OATMEAL IN CONTAINER NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS SHALL BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.

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 NO SPLASH GUARD ON RIGHT SIDES OF HANDWASHING SINKS FOR DISHWASHING AREA AND PREP AREA ON FIRST FLOOR KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARDS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MISSING VENT COVER ABOVE DISH MACHINE ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL VENT COVER ABOVE DISH MACHINE ON FIRST FLOOR.

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

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES, WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED, COOKED AND SERVED(HAM AND POTATOES). CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 9:55AM. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED, COOKED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS (QUATERNARY AMMONIUM) ON THE PREMISES TO MEASURE THE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA OF KITCHEN. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS. CORRECTED ON SITE QUATERNARY AMMONIUM TEST STRIPS DELIVERED BEFORE INSPECTION COMPLETION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES 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 CERTIFICATE.

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 5, 2024 · Original Source

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