Restaurant · Chicago, IL

The Chicago Diner Inc

Name: The Chicago Diner Inc
Address: 3411 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL

3411 N Halsted St

Last inspected May 19, 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

May 19, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

3 recorded violations

notedCode 29Other

Official wording

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS; FACILITY IN (ROP) REDUCE OXYGEN PACKAGING OF COOKED AND COOLED PASTA, RICE, MASHED SWEET POTATO, QUINOA, SEITAN, AND A VARIETY OF SAUCES. ETC IN PREP KITCHEN ON 2ND FLOOR AND WALK-IN COOLERS AREA. FACILITY ALSO REHEATS PRODUCT IN ROP BAG. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF REQUIREMENTS AND FACILITY MUST MEET AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

notedCode 32Other

Official wording

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING VARIANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR MODIFIED (ROP) PACKAGING PERFORMED IN FACILITY.NO HACCP ON SITE OF DOCUMENTATION FOR PROCEDURE PREFORMED IN FACILITY. INFORMED FACILITY OF REQUIREMENTS MUST MEET AND MAINTAIN. CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH #29.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EXPOSED FOAM-LIKE CAULK ON THE WALLS IN 1ST FLOOR REAR PREP AREA NEXT TO HOT HOLDING. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AREA TO ENSURE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

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, May 19, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

May 7, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MISSING HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE FRONT BAR HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGN AT ALL HAND SINKS INSTRUCTING ALL EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS.

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

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DEAD RODENT IN BASEMENT CORNER NEAR WATER HEATERS CAUGHT IN TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DEAD OR TRAPPED RODENTS THROUGHOUT FACILITY IN TIMELY MANNER. MANAGER REMOVED DEAD RODENT BY END OF INSPECTION.

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 BAGS OF ICE AND TWO BUCKETS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK IN FREEZER IN THE EXTERIOR WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE GASKETS OF THE THREE (3) DOOR COOLER TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS IN THE CREVICES ON THE TWO DOORS ON RIGHT SIDE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GASKETS FREE OF EXCESSIVRE DEBRIS BUILD UP.

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 WRAPPED COOLER IN BLUE PLASTIC IN EXTERIOR PATIO/OUTSIDE OF REAR EXIT NOT IN USE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS THAT ARE NOT NECESSARY TO FUNCTION OF FACILITY OR STORE APPROPRIATELY.

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, May 7, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Apr 3, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE UPPER PORTION. INSTRUCUTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS CONDENSERS. MUST CLEAN COOLERS CONDENSERS 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

BAR 1-COMPARTMENT DUMP SINK FAUCET LEAKING. MUST REPAIR SINK 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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

SOME FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

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, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 1, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES BETWEEN 45.6 F AND 50 F INSIDE GRILL REACH IN COOLER- CHEESE, VEGGIE BURGERS, BEAN BURGERS AND BACON. INSTRUCTED ALL TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0 F OR BELOW IF HELD COLD. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE TCS FOODS VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED. FOODS DISCARDED WEIGHT- 16 LBS VALUED AT $250.00.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS CONDENSERS. MUST CLEAN COOLERS CONDENSERS 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

BAR 1-COMPARTMENT DUMP SINK FAUCET LEAKING. MUST REPAIR SINK 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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

SOME FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE UPPER PORTION. INSTRUCUTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE 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 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

GRILL REACH IN COOLER NOT MAINTAINED, AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE AT 49.3 F, FOUND CHEESE AND BURGERS INSIDE SAID COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR GRILL REACH IN COOLER, AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE MUST BE 41.0 F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.