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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

The Publican

837 W Fulton Market

Last inspected Oct 27, 2025 · 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

7 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Oct 27, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 27, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Oct 20, 2025

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 23Food source and labeling

Official wording

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SEVERAL ITEMS (RANCH DRESSING, COOKED CABBAGE AND BACON, CHICKPEAS) STORED IN THE WALK-IN COOLER BEYOND THE 7-DAY MAXIMUM USE BY DATE AND MULTIPLE ITEMS (PORK RAGU, COOKED SWEET POTATOES, SAUCES) WITHOUT AN EXPIRATION DATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL TCS FOODS STORED MORE THAN 24 HOURS WITH A MAXIMUM USE BY DATE NOT EXCEEDING 7 DAYS WITH THE DAY OF PREPARATION COUNTED AS DAY #1. ALL DATE MARKED FOODS MUST BE DISCARDED IF NOT USED WITHIN THE 7 DAY PERIOD. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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

OBSERVED APPROX. 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA, STORAGE AREA, UTILITY CLOSET, BEHIND THE BAR AND IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

CLEAN THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINES.

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

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.

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 20, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jul 24, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

1 recorded violation

notedCode 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2620810 ON 7/17/25 NOT CORRECTED: 38 - OBSERVED APPROX. 50 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS BEHIND THE BAR AREA, ON THE BOXES OF STOCK IN THE BEVERAGE SERVICE STATION BEHIND THE BAR, IN THE FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA AND IN THE CUSTOMER WASHROOMS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. 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, Jul 24, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 17, 2025

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 9Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE TOUCH READY-TO-EAT FOODS (LETTUCE AND PICKLES) WITH THEIR BARE HANDS WHILE PREPARING A PLATE FOR A HAMBURGER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT NO BARE HAND CONTACT IS ALLOWED WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER ACRROSS FROM THE GRILL. OBSERVED HAM AT 47F, HAMBURGERS AT 51F, FISH DIP AT 54F, GREEN BEANS AT 52F, AND CHEESE AT 51F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 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 23Food source and labeling

Official wording

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO EXPIRATION DATES ON READY-TO-EAT TCS FOODS (COOKED PORK, ONION DIP, AIOLI, SLAW DRESSINGS, ETC.) STORED FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS IN THE COOLERS. ALSO OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT TCS FOODS STORED PAST THE 7-DAY MAXIMUM USE BY DATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL COLD TCS FOODS STORED MORE THAN 24 HOURS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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 25Food temperature

Official wording

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED AN INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY AND DISCLOSURE ON ALL PRINTED MENUS FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE AND DESCRIBE ALL FOODS WHICH CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED WITH AN ASTERISK OR OTHER MEANS, AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. SOME FOOD ITEMS WERE MISSING THE ASTERISK, AND ALL MENUS WERE MISSING THE FULL REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON ALL MENUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK FROM A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY WITH AT LEAST 2 PEST CONTROL SERVICE REPORTS FOR EACH YEAR MAINTAINED IN THE LOG BOOK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C). 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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MULTIPLE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE A VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE.

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 61Other

Official wording

SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY NOT DISPLAYED IN THE PUBLIC VIEW. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). 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, Jul 17, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Aug 2, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT FRONT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 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 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 3LBS OF EGGS AT 52.5F, 3LBS OF SLICED MEATS AT 51.3F AND 3LBS OF SLICED VEGETABLES AT 52.1F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 9LBS AT $150. 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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE COLD HOLD UNIT THAT IS TAGGED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE 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 BROKEN DOOR HANDLE AT MOP SINK CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR 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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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

OBSERVED FACILITY EQUIPMENT FOR COLD HOLDING IN DISREPAIR. NOTED COLD HOLDING UNIT FOR TCS FOOD TO BE IMPROPER AT 52F. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE FOR PROPER COLD HOLDING OF 41 DEGREES F OR BELOW. TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 2, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 1, 2024

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED AND SERVICE AREA AND STORED ON FLOOR IN FRONT STORAGE AREA NEAR RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT AND ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR.

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 CLUTTER STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE RESTROOM UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 1, 2024 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Mar 28, 2024

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 28, 2024 · Original Source

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