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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Sterling Food Hall

125 S Clark St

Last inspected Mar 23, 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

4 inspections

Canvass Re-Inspection

Mar 23, 2026

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-307.11 : OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN DRAIN BOARDS OF BASEMENT AND 20TH FL. 2- COMPARTMENT SINK(VEGETABLE WASH) & 3- COMPARTMENT SINK (DISH WASHING) NEXT TO EACH OTHER MUST PROVIDE TO PREVENT CROSS 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 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11 (A;B;D) : MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES IN BASEMENT AND 20TH FL.

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

4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM ALL REACH IN COOLERS,WALK IN COOLER-SHELVING UNITS.

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

5-205.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE FAR RIGHT URINAL IN CUSTOMERS MEN'S TOILET ROOM TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.

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

6-501.13 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT 20TH FL. PREP AREA.

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 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT ON 20TH FL.

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, Mar 23, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 12, 2026

Fail

11 recorded violations

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN DRY 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 issues
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HELATH POLICIES FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HOT RUNNING WATER TEMPERATURE AT THE ONLY HAND SINK IN LAST UNISEX STAFF TOILET ROOM AT 79.0F.MUST HAVE AT 100.0F. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 50 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES ON UPPER WALLS,PIPES AND DUCTING SYSTEM IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISH WASHING AREA,1ST FL. MOPSINK CLOSET WHERE THERE IS A WET MOP SITTING INSIDE OF BUCKET IN SAME AREA,REAR HALLWAY WALLS AND ON OVERHEAD DUCTING SYSTEM ADJACENT TO OTHER RESTAURANT STORAGE AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 3/12/26.(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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN DRAIN BOARDS OF BASEMENT AND 20TH FL. 2- COMPARTMENT SINK(VEGETABLE WASH) & 3- COMPARTMENT SINK (DISH WASHING) NEXT TO EACH OTHER MUST PROVIDE TO PREVENT CROSS 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 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES IN BASEMENT AND 20TH FL.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DISH MACHINE IN USE AND NO TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN BASEMENT DISH WASHING AREA.MUST PROVIDE AN IRREVERSIBLE THERMOMETER OR AT THE PLATE MEASURING DEVICE AND MAINTAIN.(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

MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT,PREP TABLES,ROLLING CARTS,REACH IN COOLERS,WALK IN COOLER-SHELVING UNITS IN BASEMENT AND 20TH. FL. DUST BUILD UP FROM WINDOW SILLS IN 20TH FL. PREP AREA AND BUILD UP ON DISH RACKS.

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE FAR RIGHT URINAL IN CUSTOMERS MEN'S TOILET ROOM TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.

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

MUST SCRAPE CHIPPING PAINT FROM CEILING IN BASEMENT PREP/DISH WASHING AREA AND CEILINGS AND PIPES ON THE 20TH FL. PREP AREA.

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, Mar 12, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 16, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ONE OF FOUR METERED HANDSINKS IN THE WOMENS CUSTOMER RESTROOM NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

MUST LABEL ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA WITH THE COMMON NAME OF FOOD ITEM(S).

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 16, 2025 · Original Source

License

Oct 3, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

4 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE FOR HANDWASHING SINK IN THE COFFEE STATION.

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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN THE BAR AREA, LASHUK, AND FARE NOT SANITIZING. CHLORINE READING 0 PPM. PRIORITY VIOLATION, 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED. ECOLAB ARRIVED DURING INSPECTION TO REPAIR DISH MACHINES. DISH MACHINES NOW SANITIZING AND CHLORINE READS 100 PPM.

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

MUST CLEAN DUST FROM FAN GUARDS IN THE COMMON AREA WALK-IN 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 problems
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

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, Oct 3, 2024 · Original Source

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