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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Spinzer Restaurant

2331 W Devon Ave

Last inspected Sep 23, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Fail
SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Sep 23, 2026

Fail

10 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SCREEN DOOR IN BASEMENT BROKEN AND TORN FROM FRAME. MUST REPAIR/INSTALL SCREEN DOOR IF OPEN DOORS ARE NEEDED FOR VENTILATION.

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 28Chemicals

Official wording

TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD ITEM, TAMARIND SAUCE, STORED IN BUCKETS THAT PREVIOUSLY HELD HAND SOAP. INSTRUCTED NOT TO STORE FOOD ITEMS INSIDE SOAP OR OTHER CHEMICAL BUCKETS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. FOOD WAS DISCARDED: VALUE $10 AND 20#.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF 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 problems
notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS AND POTS/PANS ON SHELVES AT THE BASEMENT AND KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES, UTENSILS, POTS/PANS TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED AND DIRTY RUBBER GASKET ON DOOR OF MOST FREEZERS AND ON THE AND WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ALL BROKEN/TORN GASKETS.

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 ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, AND SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL 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

OBSERVED LEAK UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CRATES AND BINS, UNUSED EQUIPMENT (FRYER, COOLERS/FREEZERS, ETC.) THROUGHOUT PREP AREA ON FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT AREA. MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN AREA. REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND STORE ALL ELSE TO FACILITATE CLEANING AND TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

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 THE HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS WITH A BUILD UP OF DUST AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF HELPING PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS BEING PREPARED.

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 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION NOT CORRECTED IN SPECIFIED TIME FRAME FROM INSPECTION REPORT 2642827 DATED 9/16/26 #38-INADEQUATE PEST CONTROL, FOUND OVER 50 LIVE SMALL FLIES SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE DISH ROOM, PREP AREA, AND WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT. ALSO FOUND 50 RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT. ALSO FOUND 8 LIVE ROACHES IN THE BASEMENT AREA: 5 INSIDE IGLOO COOLER, 1 ON WALK-IN COOLER EXTERIOR WALL, 1 ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA, AND 1 IN REAR AREA RECEIPT PRINTER. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE ALL PEST ACTIVITY IN ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS REQUIRED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090. CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL SURFACES.

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, Sep 23, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Sep 16, 2026

Fail

10 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS OR SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES AT ALL HAND WASHING SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 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 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE UPSTAIRS PREP COLD HOLDING UNITS, SUCH AS 3LBS OF BEEF AT 65.2F, 3 DOZEN OF EGGS AT 67.8F AND HEAVY CREAM AT 67.4F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

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 UPSTAIRS PREP COOLERS NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 66.2-70.5F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. PREP COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF 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 problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

INADEQUATE INSECTS CONTROL, FOUND ABOUT 15 LIVE FRUIT FLIES SCATTERED THROUGH OUT DISH ROOM AND WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT. ALSO FOUND ABOUT 50 DROPPING THROUGHTOUT THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE INSECTS ACTIVITY IN ALL AFFECTED AREAS, PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS RECOMMENDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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 insects
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN REFRIGERATORS LOCATED IN REAR KITCHEN PREP AND BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS OR CONTAINERS TO STORE FOOD 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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 SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.

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 THE HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS WITH A BUILD UP OF DUST AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF HELPING PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS BEING PREPARED.

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, Sep 16, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Mar 21, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 21, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 13, 2025

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR SWEEP. MUST RODENT PROOF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR AND MAINTAIN.

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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

BASEMENT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MISSING STOPPERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE ADDTIONAL STOPPERS FOR BASEMENT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

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 PEELING CEILING PAINT ABOVE BASEMENT PREP AREA 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REMOVE PEELING CEILING PAINT AT SAID LOCATION.

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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2600509 DATED ON 08/21/24 NOT CORRECTED-#47 MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS. 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, Mar 13, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Aug 21, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 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 problems
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE COMPARTMENTS NOT CLEAN (INTERIOR TOP AND BIN). ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN UNIT.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE BOX FREEZER. MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD BOXES AS FOOD CONTAINER MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS.

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

ADDITIONAL ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES IS REQUIRED ON SITE.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 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 issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 21, 2024 · Original Source

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