Skip to content
Loading map…

ARGO TEA

250 E SUPERIOR ST, CHICAGO, IL 60611 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

ARGO TEA has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 9, 2010. The most recent inspection, on June 2, 2021, found no infractions.

1 of 12 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Cleaning and sanitizing.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 21, 2017. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 6, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded once on August 9, 2010. For example: DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

    Recorded 19 times across 8 separate inspections, most recently on August 23, 2019. For example: UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 8 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on March 6, 2019. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

12 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • - OBSERVED ARTICLES AND COOLERS STORED DIRECTLY UNDER WASTE WATER LINES IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. MUST REMOVE AND STORE ALL ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT AWAY FROM POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION. -
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • - OBSERVED THE DOOR TO THE PREP COOLER IN POOR REPAIR WITH THE INTERIOR OF THE DOOR DETACHED FROM THE UNIT. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. -
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • - OBSERVED SOME FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES EXPIRED. MUST PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATES ON SITE. -
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP KIT SUPPLIES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE THE CLEAN UP KIT SUPPLIES TO FOLLOW FACILITY'S WRITTEN CLEAN UP POLICY ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#:7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE INTERIOR OF THE FREEZERS IN THE DRY STORAGE UNIT. MUST REMOVE RUST, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESS DIRT AND DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE FLOOR OF THE DRY STORAGE UNIT. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE WITH BIOHAZARD CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED 2-DOOR REACH IN MILK COOLER RUBBER DOOR GASKETS RIPPED/POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS/GRIME BUILD UP ON WALLS AROUND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK ALSO OBSERVED FOOD/GRIME BUILD UP ON EXTERIOR OF SINKS AND SINKS HANDLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN WALLS AROUND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND CLEAN EXTERIOR/INTERIOR OF SINKS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • BASEMENT FLOOR LITTERED UNDER SHELF RACKS AND CORNERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES.
  5. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS AT PASTRY DISPLAY CASE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • NO HANDS WASHING SIGNS IN EMPLOYEES TOILET ROOMS, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MISSING REFRIGERATION THERMOMETER IN GRAB AN GO AND COFFEE STATION COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
  6. Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 9. WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE
      • NO HOT WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND EXPOSED HAND SINK ON PREMISES: HOT WATER TEMPERATURE WAS 79.9F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MANAGER CONTACTED THE HOSPITALS EMERGENCY RESPONSE ENGINEERING TEAM THAT WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE HOT WATER AT 110F AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND 85F AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK DURING THE INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
  7. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • REFRIGERATED FOOD STORAGE FACILITIES AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED REACH IN COOLER IN THE PREP AREA AT 47 DEGREES F AND THE REACH IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA BETWEEN 52-60 DEGREES F. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN REFRIGERATION UNITS AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A
    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • NOTED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED QUICHE AT 50-53 DEGREES F, YOGURT AT 48.7-50 DEGREES F, MILK AT 47.6 DEGREES F, VARIOUS DELI SANDWICHES AT 48.9 DEGREES F, SPINACH AT 47-50 DEGREES F, LENTIL SALAD AT 49.7-52 DEGREES F, BLACK BEAN SALAD AT 49.7-52 DEGREES F,HALF AND HALF AT 53.6 DEGREES F,RAW EGGS AT 58 DEGREES F,AND VARIOUS CHEESES AT 47-52 DEGREES F. MUST MAINTAIN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS COLD FOODS AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR TOP PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE. MUST ALSO CLEAN SINKS, STORAGE CABINETS, COUNTER TOPS, REFRIGERATION UNITS AND ALL EQUIPMENT AS NEEDED.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH SINKS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT. KEEP FLOORS DRY UNDER THE HAND SINK AND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN LOWER WALLS IN PREP AREA UNDER SINKS AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT.
  8. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPLACE THE STAINED CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE SANDWICH PREP COOLER. REPLACE THE WATER DAMAGED PARTICLEBOARD CABINET BELOW THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS.
  9. Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MISSING THERMOMETER IN ACOOLERS, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
  10. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • CAULKING AROUND SINKS & ALONG WALLS OF SINK COUNTERS MUST BE REPLACED, TO PREVENT WATER SEEPING THRU THE WALLS OR COUNTERTOPS. All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • FOLLOWING NEED CLEANING: GASKETS OF COOLER DOORS, INTERIOR FLOORS OF COOLERS, CABINETS UNDER SINKS. GREASE TRAP NEEDS ATTENTION DUE TO ODOR EMITTING FROM UNDER SINKS & AROUND THE TRAP. All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOLLOWING PLUMBING ISSUES MUST BE ADDRESSED: LEAK ON PIPE UNDER DUMP SINK,& BASE OF HANDSINK FAUCET IS LEAKING ALSO. Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.
  11. Complaint Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • CUTTING BOARD IN NEED OF REPLACING WORN DISCOLORED WITH DEEP CUTS. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF CLEANING: INTERIOR OF CABINETS, COUNTER TOPS, SINKS. TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP OF SPILLS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS UNDER EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING AND MUST BE KEPT DRY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALLS AND CEILINGS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • AIR VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE DUST BUILD-UP, LEAK AT PASTRY CASE IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
  12. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 24. DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED
      • All dishwashing machines must be of a type that complies with all requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago and Rules and Regulation of the Board of Health. THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED. SINK NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO SUBMERGE ALL PIECES OF EQUIPMENT. MUST REPLACE SINK WITH LARGER SINK OR REPAIR DISHMACHINE. ALL LARGE PIECES OF EQUIPMENT HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM SERVICE. IE....RICE COOKER AND MUFFIN TINS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030 CITATION ISSUED. DISHWASHING FACILITIES NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. CUTTING BOARD IN NEED OF REPLACING WORN DISCOLORED WITH DEEP CUTS. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF CLEANING: INTERIOR OF CABINETS, COUNTER TOPS, SINKS. TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP OF SPILLS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOORS UNDER EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING AND MUST BE KEPT DRY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Use dustless cleaning methods. WALLS AND CEILINGS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. AIR VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE DUST BUILD-UP, LEAK AT PASTRY CASE IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website