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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Willies

3706 N Halsted St

Last inspected May 9, 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

Canvass Re-Inspection

May 9, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS A LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE.

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 2-DOOR TALL REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP AREA AND 1DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA NOT IN USE. MUST REPAIR OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES. OBSERVED CLUTTER AND CARDBOARD BOXES INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM AND REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT RODENT 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, May 9, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

May 2, 2025

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK LOCTED IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST 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 25Food temperature

Official wording

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE AND DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDER RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT. 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 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED IN DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROPERLY STORE STORED SCOOPS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

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

MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS A LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE.

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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTE TO INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR AND TO 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 2-DOOR TALL REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP AREA AND 1DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA NOT IN USE. MUST REPAIR OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES. OBSERVED CLUTTER AND CARDBOARD BOXES INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM AND REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT RODENT 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
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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, May 2, 2025 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Apr 16, 2025

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

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

Canvass

Sep 9, 2024

Out of Business

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 9, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Aug 13, 2024

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-901.11--- ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

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

4-101.11(B, C, D, E)----BROKEN GLASS DOOR ON THE TWO DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER. MUST 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

: 6-201.11--- FLOORS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AND LEADING TO THE REAR DISH AREA IN POOR REPAIR WITH LARGE DIVOTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE CEILING VENTS LEADING TO THE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN 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, Aug 13, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Aug 9, 2024

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

-PEELING SELF-ADHESIVE PAPER LINING THE SHELVES AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP, MUST BE REMOVED. SHELVING MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT.

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

2-102.13--- NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

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 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-901.11--- ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

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

4-101.11(B, C, D, E)----BROKEN GLASS DOOR ON THE TWO DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER. MUST 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

: 6-201.11--- FLOORS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AND LEADING TO THE REAR DISH AREA IN POOR REPAIR WITH LARGE DIVOTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----FLOOR UNDER THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK, AROUND THE HOT WATER TANK AND DISH MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE DIRT AND DEBRIS.----EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE CEILING VENTS LEADING TO THE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.-

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 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS FROM 7-31-24 REPORT #2598411 NOT CORRECTED #48- NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO MONITOR THE SANITIZATION LEVEL AT THE CHLORINE CHEMICAL DISH WASHING MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE. #54-OBSERVED THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE AND GREASE CONTAINER IN THE ALLEY WITH EXCESSIVE WASTE, FOOD DEBRIS, BAGS OF FOOD WASTE AND GARBAGE OVERFLOWING FROM THE CONTAINER AND UNABLE TO CLOSE THE LID. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL, CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND MAINTAIN.#60- PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 7-28-23 REPORT #2579213 NOT CORRECTED.#55-INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE, UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT, AND THE FRONT COUNTER AND MAINTAIN.#58-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.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, Aug 9, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 31, 2024

Fail

13 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES OR PROOF OF ENROLLMENT/COMPLETION FOR CLASS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

MUST NOT STORE CLEAN UTENSILS DIRECTLY OVER THE HAND WASHING SINK.

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

BROKEN GLASS DOOR ON THE TWO DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER. MUST 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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO MONITOR THE SANITIZATION LEVEL AT THE CHLORINE CHEMICAL DISH WASHING MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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

ALL RAW WOODEN SHELVING IN THE DISH AREA/FRIE SLICING PREP MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED TO SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT.----PEELING SELF-ADHESIVE PAPER LINING THE SHELVES AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP, TINFOIL ON THE COOKS LINE SHELVING, CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING, ALL MUST BE REMOVED. SHELVING MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT.

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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE AND GREASE CONTAINER IN THE ALLEY WITH EXCESSIVE WASTE, FOOD DEBRIS, SPILLED GREASE ON THE GROUNDS SURROUNDING THE CONTAINERS, GREASE SPILLAGE ON THE GREASE CONTAINER AND A DIRTY, USED GREASE BUCKET HANGING ON CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL, CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FLOORS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AND LEADING TO THE REAR DISH AREA IN POOR REPAIR WITH LARGE DIVOTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----FLOOR UNDER THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK, AROUND THE HOT WATER TANK AND DISH MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE DIRT AND DEBRIS.----EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE CEILING VENTS LEADING TO THE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----PREVIOUSLY PATCHED OPENING IN THE WASHROOM CEILING WITH OPEN GAPS/CREVICES. MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND ALL OPENINGS SEALED.

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

NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

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

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 7-28-23 REPORT #2579213 NOT CORRECTED.#55-INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE, UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT, AND THE FRONT COUNTER AND MAINTAIN.#47-NOTED UNFINISHED WOOD USED TO MOUNT POTATO CUTTER ON THE WALL AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A NON-POROUS WOOD THAT ARE EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAINED.#58-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.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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
notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

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

NO HANDWASHING LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA WHERE FOODS SUCH AS WAFFLES, FROZEN DRINKS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS THAT PROPERLY DRAINS OR REMOVE ALL FOOD PREPARATION ITEMS. 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.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

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 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 31, 2024 · Original Source

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