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Benchwarmers Sports Bar and Grill

1540 W NORTH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60622 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

Benchwarmers Sports Bar and Grill has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since October 4, 2012. The most recent inspection, on August 25, 2017, found no infractions.

5 of 11 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: Protecting food from contamination.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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.

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded once on October 6, 2016. For example: FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

  • 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 17 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on October 21, 2016. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

  • 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 10 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on October 21, 2016. For example: FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

  • Food safety training and certificationLower risk

    Most jurisdictions require a certified food handler or manager on site, and some require allergen or food-worker training. These findings mean the paperwork or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean food was handled unsafely.

    Recorded 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on October 21, 2016. For example: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

  • Other findingsLower risk

    Findings that do not fit the categories above, such as follow-ups that confirm an earlier violation was corrected, or requirements specific to this type of facility.

    Recorded 3 times on February 20, 2015. For example: ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED

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.

11 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO SPLASH GUARD PROVIDED BETWEEN THE MOP SINK AND DRAIN BOARD OF THE TREE COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST INSTALL SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE, ALSO MUST INSTALL PROPER SUPPORT FOR THE DRAIN BOARD BY THE MOP SINK AND REMOVE DIRTY, NOT MAINTAINED CRATE
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • GREASE AND DEBRIS AT INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENTS,INCLUDED DEEP FRYER,PIPES BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS AND WHEELS OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS.ALL SHELVES IN PREP AREA WITH GRIMES ON IT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.ICE BUILD-UP INSIDE CHEST FREEZER.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • GRIMES,GREASE AND ENCRUSTED FOOD THROUGHOUT THE PREP AREA,INCLUDED BEHIND THE GREASE TRAP. PARTIAL RUG BY THE WINDOW WITH HEAVY STAINS AND GRIMES,INSTRUCTED TO SHAMPOO OR REPLACE.MUST MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • WORKING STOPPER IS NEEDED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK BAR AREA,REMOVE DIRTY PLASTIC
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON PREMISES.INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN THEM.INFORMATION GIVEN
  3. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH SLIME SUBSTANCE BUILD-UP AT INTERIOR OF ICE BIN AND AT WATER RESERVOIR WERE ICE IS MADE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO VALID CITY SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE,NOR PROVIDED DURING THE INSPECTION.INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL TO SANITATION CLASS.A LEAST ONE CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED.INFORMATION GIVEN FOR ENROLLMENT TO CLASS SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-012(A)
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO SPLASH GUARD PROVIDED BETWEEN THE MOP SINK AND DRAIN BOARD OF THE TREE COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST INSTALL SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE, ALSO MUST INSTALL PROPER SUPPORT FOR THE DRAIN BOARD BY THE MOP SINK AND REMOVE DIRTY, NOT MAINTAINED CRATE
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • GREASE AND DEBRIS AT INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENTS,INCLUDED DEEP FRYER,PIPES BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS AND WHEELS OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS.ALL SHELVES IN PREP AREA WITH GRIMES ON IT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.ICE BUILD-UP INSIDE CHEST FREEZER.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • GRIMES,GREASE AND ENCRUSTED FOOD THROUGHOUT THE PREP AREA,INCLUDED BEHIND THE GREASE TRAP. PARTIAL RUG BY THE WINDOW WITH HEAVY STAINS AND GRIMES,INSTRUCTED TO SHAMPOO OR REPLACE.MUST MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • WORKING STOPPER IS NEEDED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK BAR AREA,REMOVE DIRTY PLASTIC
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON PREMISES.INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN THEM.INFORMATION GIVEN
  4. Canvass

    0 infractions

  5. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. Complaint

    9 infractions

    • 11. ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED
      • BAR EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK NOT MAINTAINED. NO HOT WATER AVAILABLE AT SINK. HOT HANDLE DOES NOT TURN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM 10-3-14 NOT CORRECTED #38-MUST INSTALL BACK FLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON COOKS LINE TWO DOOR COOLER. MUST REPLACE. MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE UTILITY MOP SINK AND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK DRAIN BOARD.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FOR THE FLOOR UNDER THE DEEP FRYERS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER/PLASH GUARD ON COOKS LINE WALL.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD END CAPS FOR LIGHTS ABOVE COOKS LINE.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • BUT PROVIDE SELF-CLOSING DEVICES ON ALL WASHROOM DOORS.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • FOOD HANDLER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO CERTIFICATES OR PROOF OF TRAINING. MUST HAVE PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
    • 70. NO SMOKING REGULATIONS
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF SMOKING WITHIN 15FT. OF FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE/EXIT TO RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. A LARGE BUCKET WITH APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 40 CIGARETTE BUTTS FOUND ON TOP OF A GARBAGE CAN LID FOUND 1 FT. FROM ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED ALL SMOKING AND ASHTRAYS MUST BE 15FT. OR FURTHER FROM ENTRANCE. MANAGEMENT MOVED. FIRST SMOKING VIOLATION 7-32-015.
  7. Complaint

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOORS IN BASEMENT. REPAIR FLOOR IN BASEMENT WOMEN WASHROOM. FLOOR MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • SEAL OPENINGS IN CEILING NEAR SODA DISPENSER UNITS IN BASEMENT.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN WALK-IN COOLER. REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE CATERING EQUIPMENT IN BASEMENT.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTALL BACK FLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK.
  9. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • Multi use utensils not properly stored. Instructed to invert utensils to prevent contamination before use.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Ice bins in bar not provided with covers. Instructed to provide covers for all ice bins to prevent possible contamination. Cutting board not maintained in prep area. Instructed to replace worn cutting board.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Exhaust hood and filters not clean. Instructed to detail clean hood and filters.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Floor in rear prep area not amintained. Instructed to detail clean flor along wallbase and reseal surface.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Exhaust fan not installed in basement toilet room. Instructed to install exhaust fans. Soda gun holders not provided with drainliines. Instructed to install drainlines to proper disposal of liquid waste.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • Unnecessary articles stored in basement in several areas. Instructed to remove all unused articles and elevate supplies 6 inches or higher and away from wall.
  10. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • TIN FOIL ON WORK TABLE SHELVING NEEDS TO BE REMOVED NEXT TO GRILL. ICE BIN COVERS NEEDED FOR ICE BIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • NOTED FLOOR COVING COMMING OFF WALL NEXT TO REAR EXIT DOOR NEEDS TO BE PROPERLY AFFIXED TO WALL.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • ALL RESTROOMS NEEDS SELF CLOSING DEVICES.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • CLUTTER NEEDS TO BE REMOVED FROM FROM FURNACE ROOM AND AT VOID WHERE GAS METERS ARE LOCATED.
  11. Canvass

    0 infractions

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