Complaint Re-Inspection
Sep 29, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 29, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Serena Restaurant
2536 W Devon Ave
Last inspected Sep 29, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Pass
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
- When was Serena Restaurant last inspected?
- The most recent inspection on record was on Sep 29, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Pass”.
- Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
- No. No violations were recorded at the most recent inspection.
- How many inspections are on record?
- 7 inspections on record, from Jun 13, 2024 to Sep 29, 2026.
- Has Serena Restaurant ever been closed by the health department?
- No closure appears in the 7 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Jun 13, 2024.
The Full Inspection History
7 inspectionsComplaint
Sep 21, 2026
Fail
8 recorded violations
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector’s Notes
VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS NEEDED IN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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 issuesnotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official Wording
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector’s Notes
MUST LABEL ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
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 problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official Wording
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector’s Notes
EVIDENCE OF IMPROPER PEST CONTROL ON PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS, CEILING AND FLOOR DRAINS IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA AND WALLS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZED AFFECTED AREAS AND WHENEVER NEEDED. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELEIMINATE FLYING INSECT PROBLEM. 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 39Contamination
Official Wording
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED MISSING SECTION OF FOOD GUARD IN THE FRONT STEAM TABLES. STEAM TABLES NOT IN USE AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION. BOTH STEAM TABLES TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME.
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 contaminationnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND REAR FOOD STORAGES ROOMS. MUST REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY 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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILD UP ON CHEST FREEZERS STORED IN REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE ICE AND CLEAN FREEZERS,
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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official Wording
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED SINK ON THE FRONT SERVING STATION AREA AND REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
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 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED CCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA, DISHWASHING AREA AND BASEMENT UNDERNEATH FOOD STORAGE SHELVING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS 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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 21, 2026 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Apr 21, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 21, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Apr 14, 2025
Fail
3 recorded violations
notedCode 38Pests
Official Wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED 10 RAT DROPPINGS ON BASEMENT FLOOR UNDER WOODEN PALLETS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REMOVE RAT DROPPINGS BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE. PRIORIYT FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A).
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 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
GARNISH REACH IN COOLER (LEFT SIDE DOOR) LOOSE FROM HINDGE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER.
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 57Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s Notes
NO EMPLOYEES FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST BE CERTIFIED WITH NAMES OF EMPLOYEES ON PREMISES.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 14, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint
Sep 24, 2024
Pass
7 recorded violations
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
GREASE INSIDE DEEP FRYER, 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
GREASE ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT.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 problemsnotedCode 45Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
ALL STORED ITEMS, BOXED TOGO CONTAINERS, MUST BE PROPERLY PROTECTED INVERT THEM ON SHELVES AND THROUGHOUT ALL AREAS.
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 issuesnotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official Wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s Notes
DRY FOOD IN PLASTIC CONTAINER, STORED INSIDE STORAGE AREA MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME:SPICES,SUGAR ETC
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 problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official Wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s Notes
EMPLOYEES SWEATER,BAGS ETC, STORED AT REAR STORAGE AREA,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SEPARATE AREA/LOCKER FOR EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS. NO EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS MUST BE STORED IN PREP AREA AND FOOD STORAGE 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 issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
ENCRUSTED FOOD AT BLADE OF CAN OPENER,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 problemsnotedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s Notes
COVERS IS REQUIRED AT ALL RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM
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, Sep 24, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Jul 1, 2024
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 1, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Jun 13, 2024
Fail
10 recorded violations
notedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official Wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s Notes
ALL DRY FOOD MUST BE LABELED WITH A COMMON NAME AT STORAGE AREA
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 problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official Wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s Notes
OUTER OPENING NOT PROTECTED:WE OBSERVED REAR SCREEN DOORS WITH A GAP OF 1/4" BETWEEN DOORS.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ISSUE TO MINIMIZE PEST ENTRY.
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 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s Notes
MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO 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 43Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
Inspector’s Notes
ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER BETWEEN USE. -
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 issuesnotedCode 45Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
MUST NOT USE TAPE AS PADDING FOR THE CORNER OF THE SHELF BY THE LOW TEMP DISHMACHINE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE
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 issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
RUSTY SHELVES INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER, INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLERS. MUST REPAIR AND RESTORE TO A SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE OR REPLACE
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 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
GREASE BUILD UP UNDER FLAT GRILL,AND DEEP FRYER 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 problemsnotedCode 54Facility maintenance
Official Wording
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
Inspector’s Notes
RECEPTACLES LIDS NOT MAINTAINED AT OUTSIDE DUMPSTER AREA. WE OBSERVED BROKEN LIDS,BENDED AND MISSING LIDS. NO COVER FOR DUMPSTER,UNIT REMAINS HALF UNCOVERED.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIDS OR REPLACE CONTAINER, TO MINIMIZE PEST AND INSECT ACTIVITIES. 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
EXCESS UNUSED ITEMS IN BASEMENT AREA ,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND ELEVATE ITEMS NEEDED 6"OFF THE 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 problemsnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s Notes
ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO RENEW CERTIFICATE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 13, 2024 · Original Source