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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Ruby's Fast Food

4551-4553 N Pulaski Rd

Last inspected Jun 1, 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

7 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Jun 1, 2026

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 1, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

May 18, 2026

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 15Other

Official wording

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RAW MEAT STORED DIRECTLY ABOVE GREEN BEANS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE RAW ANIMAL PRODUCT IS NOT STORED ABOVE READY TO EAT FOODS. MANAGER HAD EMPLOYEE MOVE GREEN BEANS. PRIORITY 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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK SUBSTANCE INSIDE ICE MACHINE AND ICE WELL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND ENSURE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES ARE CLEAN TO SIGHT AND TOUCH. 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK INSIDE SERVER'S STATION TO BE SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MAANGER TO REPAIR 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FILTERS ABOVE GRIDDLES WITH GREASE AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN 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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED. REPORT #2622756 DATED AUGUST 25 2025 INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO #55 DECLUTTER BASEMENT, #57 ENSURE ALL FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ARE UP TO DATE, AND TO #58 ENSURE ALL FOOD MANAGERS HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. OBSERVED HEAVY CLUTTER IN BASEMENT OF FACILITY; OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES; OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADDRESS ALL PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. 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 finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 18, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Aug 25, 2025

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

BASEMENT FLOOR CLUTTERED BY SOUTH WALL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR OR REMOVE ITEMS.

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 SOME EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS CERTFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST UPDATE FOOD HANDLERS 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
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ONE FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING 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, Aug 25, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Aug 18, 2025

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

BASEMENT FLOOR CLUTTERED BY SOUTH WALL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR OR REMOVE ITEMS.

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 SOME EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS CERTFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST UPDATE FOOD HANDLERS 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
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ONE FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING 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
notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2598187 DATED ON07/29/24 NOT CORRECTED-#10- OBSERVED WALL MOUNTED PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER IN BAR LOCATED NEXT TO DUMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO MOVE SO THAT IT IS NEXT TO HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER SAID PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION MUST BE CORRECTED BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 18, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jul 29, 2024

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WALL MOUNTED PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER IN BAR LOCATED NEXT TO DUMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO MOVE SO THAT IT IS NEXT TO HANDWASHING SINK.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SOILED ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS A SHELF LINER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.

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 BLINKING LIGHT IN CEILING OF WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT 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, Jul 29, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 22, 2024

Fail

10 recorded violations

notedCode 52Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GREASE TRAP IN BASEMENT CONNECTED TO PLUMBING SYSTEM LEAKING YELLOW, SOILED LIQUID ONTO BASEMENT FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN GREASE TRAP IN GOOD CONDITION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

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 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. 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 21Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TCS ITEMS, SUCH AS FRIED FISH, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN HOT HOLD UNIT, SUCH AS 94.5F AND 105.6F. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 5LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $54. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL HOT TCS ITESM AT OR ABOVE 135F 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 temperature
notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING COLD TCS ITEMS HELD AT THE STATED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN 2 DOOR DRAWER COOLER LOCATED UNDERNEATH FLAT TOP GRILL: OCTOPUS AT 46.5F, GROUND PORK AT 46.9F, AND SQUID AT 47.1F. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 5LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $75. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS ITEMS AT OR BELOW 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.

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 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 2 DOOR DRAWER COOLER UNDERNEATH FLAT TOP GRILL MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 50.1F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR COOLER SO THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF MAINTAINING AN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AT OR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATIO 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 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PORK FROZEN IN SINGLE USE GROCERY BAGS IN CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD-GRADE, REUSABLE CONTAINERS.

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 SOILED ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS A SHELF LINER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.

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 HEAVY BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON SIDES OF FRYER CABINET AND FLAT TOP GRILL AND ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH BOTH. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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 BLINKING LIGHT IN CEILING OF WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT 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
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WALL MOUNTED PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER IN BAR LOCATED NEXT TO DUMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO MOVE SO THAT IT IS NEXT TO HANDWASHING SINK.

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, Jul 22, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Oct 25, 2023

Pass w/ Conditions

4 recorded violations

notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Inspector’s notes

FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED.7-38-010. MUST 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 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS/POTS NOT STORED PROPERLY.MUST STORE ON DRYING RACKS INVERTED.

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

FOUND BULK FOOD CONTAINERS WITH NO LABELS.(FLOUR, SUGAR,ETC.) MUST LABEL.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FOUND CLUTTER AT BASEMENT (BOXES, OLD EQUIPMENT,ETC.)MUST CLEAN AND ORGANIZE.

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, Oct 25, 2023 · Original Source

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