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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

The Art Of Chicken

2041 N Western Ave

Last inspected Jan 13, 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

3 inspections

Canvass

Jan 13, 2026

Pass

7 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND WASH SINKS IN THE UNISEX WASHROOMS AND THE HAND WASH SINK IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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

OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN WALK-IN COOLER UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE LIDS AND/OR COVERINGS WHEN STORING ALL FOOD ITEMS TO PREVENT 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 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS STORED IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.

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 CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH/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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AND FRYER/GRILL AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

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 AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS/RUST BUILDUP ON THE OVERHEAD EXHAUST VENTS IN THE DISH WASH AREA IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

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, Jan 13, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 12, 2025

Fail

9 recorded violations

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER 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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN BAR AREA WHERE ALCOHOL (BEER) IS DISPENSED INTO PLASTIC CUPS AT FRONT BAR AREA FOR CONSUMPTION TO CUSTOMERS MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT & COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP & TOWELS, AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION7-38-030(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 21Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH AS 3LBS. COOKED RICE-126.5F,3LBS. COOKED MASHED POTATO-127.8F AND .5LBS. GRAVY-123.6F IN HOT HOLDING CABINET AND STEAM TABLE.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE.6.5 LBS. $20.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(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 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 113.0F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE.MANAGER ADJUSTED THERMOSTAT NOW AIR TEMPERATURE IS 140.2F AT THIS TIME.MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 135.0F OR ABOVE.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(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

MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN 1- COMPARTMENT SINK & 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET.

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLE IN CEILING ,GAP IN WALL ABOVE 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND AT MOPSINK IN BASEMENT PREP/DISH WASHING 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

MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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, Nov 12, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 18, 2024

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED METERED FAUCETS AT BOTH RESTROOM HANDWASHING SINKS PROVIDE WATER FOR LESS THAN 15 SECONDS BEFORE NEED TO REACTIVATE THE FAUCET (FLOW FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 SECOND UPON ACTIVATION). INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE WASHROOM METERED FAUCETS TO PROVIDE WATER FLOW FOR AT LEAST 15 SECONDS WITHOUT THE NEED TO REACTIVATE THE FAUCET AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED COOKED CHICKEN IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA UPRIGHT COOLER STORED TIGHTLY-COVERED WITH FOOD-GRADE PLASTIC WRAP WHILE COOLING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PLASTIC WRAP AND STORE TCS FOODS UNCOVERED OR LOOSELY-COVERED (IF PROTECTED FROM OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION) WHILE COOLING AND MAINTAIN.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GAP ON BOTTOM OF REAR KITCHEN AREA EXTERIOR DOOR GREATER THAN 1/4" AND UNPROTECTED FROM ENTRY OF INSECTS OR PESTS. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE GAP ON REAR KITCHEN EXTERIOR DOOR TO ELIMINATE ENTRY OF PESTS 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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MINI SINGLE-USE CUPS USED AS SCOOPS FOR FOOD CONTAINERS IN MAIN PREP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SINGLE-USE CUPS AND REPLACE WITH UTENSIL WITH A HANDLE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION WHILE SCOOPING AND MAINTAIN.

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 SIFTER UTENSIL IN THE BASEMENT AREA STORAGE RACK IN POOR REPAIR, HEAVILY-RUSTED AND NO LONGER EASILY-CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD SIFTER AND REPLACE WITH UTENSIL THAT COMPLIES WITH FOOD CODE RULES REQUIREMENTS 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 FLOORS BENEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE MAIN KITCHEN AREA (DEEP FRYERS, GRILL, HOT-HOLDING EQUIPMENT) TO BE HEAVILY-SOILED WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS BENEATH EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOILS 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 18, 2024 · Original Source

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