Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Svea Restaurant

Name: Svea Restaurant
Address: 5236 N Clark St, Chicago, IL

5236 N Clark St

Last inspected Sep 18, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Pass

ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Sep 18, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11(B-E): **C** Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency NOTED INNER LINING OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE 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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE CHEST FREEZERS AT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CONDENSATION 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

NOTED CLUTTER THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.

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, Sep 18, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Sep 9, 2026

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED INNER LINING OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE 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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE CHEST FREEZERS AT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CONDENSATION 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

NOTED CLUTTER THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.

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

NOTED EMPLOYEES AT WORK WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES AND ONE MONTH (30 DAYS) GRACE PERIOD FOR NEW HIRES

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

NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

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

8-404.13(B:4) NOTED THE FOLLOWING CORE VIOLATIONS 43,47,47 WITH THE RULES NUMBERS BELOW FROM INSPECTION #2636719 DATED 5/13/2026 NOT CORRECTED:- 43) 3-304.12: NOTED SERVING PLATES AND BOWLS ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION. 47) 4-201.11: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE PREP SERVICE COOLER, DOOR OF 4 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT ALL AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE. 47) 4-202.16: NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES AND LINENS USED TO LINE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES AND LINENS TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL THE ABOVE VIOLATIONS MUST BE CORRECTED. PRIORITY 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, Sep 9, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

May 13, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

5 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

NOTED NO SOAP AT THE HAND WASH SINK BY THE DISH WASHER. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED SERVING PLATES AND BOWLS ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES 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

NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE PREP SERVICE COOLER, DOOR OF 4 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT ALL AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/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 problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

NOTED HOLES AT CORNER WALL BASE AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENINGS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PEST.

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

NOTED THE FOLLOWING CORE VIOLATIONS 57, 58 WITH THE RULES NUMBERS BELOW FROM INSPECTION #2615073 DATED 4/3/2025 NOT CORRECTED:- -#57)2-102.13:SOME FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ALL FOOD HANDLERS THAT DO NOT HAVE CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE SHALL COMPLETE AN APPROVED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROGRAM. -#58)2-102.13: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL THE ABOVE VIOLATIONS MUST BE CORRECTED. PRIORITY 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 13, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 3, 2025

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WOODEN SHELF BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND WOODEN STORAGE SHELVES (BY THE DOOR) LEADING TO DINING AREA IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO 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 problems

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SLOW DRAINING HAND SINK IN THE REAR KITCHEN.

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS WITH GREASE SPILLAGE NEXT TO COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN.

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

INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR NON WORKING VENT INSIDE THE WASHROOM.

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

SOME FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ALL FOOD HANDLERS THAT DO NOT HAVE CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE SHALL COMPLETE AN APPROVED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROGRAM.

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

2 CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

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, Apr 3, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 5, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

Observed no thermometer in reach in cooler in prep area and standing coolers in basement storage area. Instructed manager to provide thermometer in each cold holding unit.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

Observed food debris and trash build up on floor along walls in the bar area in front, in the rear prep area along walls, and in the basement storage area below shelves along walls. Instructed manager to clean and maintain area free of food debris.

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

Instructed to properly label food storage containers (flour, sugar, garbanzo beans etc) identified with common name in prep/cooking 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 problems

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Instructed to remove cardboard liner on prep shelves in prep/cooking 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, Apr 5, 2024 · Original Source