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BISTRO MARGOT

1437-1439 N WELLS ST, CHICAGO, IL 60610 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

BISTRO MARGOT has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 2, 2010. The most recent inspection, on March 3, 2016, found no infractions.

2 of 10 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 source, labelling and allergens, Food temperature control and 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.

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded once on May 14, 2015. For example: SOURCE SOUND CONDITION, NO SPOILAGE, FOODS PROPERLY LABELED, SHELLFISH TAGS IN PLACE

  • 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 once on May 14, 2015. For example: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

  • 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 May 14, 2015. 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 19 times across 8 separate inspections, most recently on May 14, 2015. For example: WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

  • 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 9 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on December 15, 2014. For example: FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

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.

10 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 1. SOURCE SOUND CONDITION, NO SPOILAGE, FOODS PROPERLY LABELED, SHELLFISH TAGS IN PLACE
      • NOTED NO SHELL FISH TAGS ATTACHED TO A CONTAINER ON SHELL FISH (MUSSELS) INSIDE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ALWAYS HAVE SHELL FISH TAGS ATTACHED TO THE SHELL FISH UNTIL THE LAST BATCH IS CONSUMED AND THEN STORED THE TAGS IN A FILE FOR ADDITIONAL 90 DAYS. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF PRODUCTS THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. (SEE VIOLATION #3 FOR LBS AND COST OF PRODUCTS DISPOSED). CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(B)
    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF CONTAINERS OF ASSORTED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS (COOKED MEAT,CHICKEN,BEEF,VEGETABLES) AT PREP TABLE READING BETWEEN 52.6F TO 60F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF LBS WORTH $ TROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • NOTED A GRAYISH AND PINKISH SLIMY SUBSTANCE INSIDE INNER LINING AND UPPER COMPARTMENT OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ON TO THE ICE. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS CLEANED AND SANITIZED. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEES START CLEANING THE ICE MACHINE. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • NOTED DUST AND DIRT ACCUMULATION ON VENTS AND FANS INSIDE WOMENS BATHROOM. ALSO NOTED STAINED CEILING TILES AT SAME AND CEILING PANELS AT THE BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA BY THE ICE MACHINE MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED LEAKING FAUCETS AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND DISH WASHER SPRAYER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • DETAIL CLEAN THE PREP TABLES, STORAGE SHELVES AND PREP COOLER DOORS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT AROUND THE FOUNTAIN POP SETUP.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • DETAIL CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD DEBRIS.
  4. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • DETAIL CLEAN THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE 1ST FLOOR WALK-IN COOLER.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • REPAIR THE LOOSE FLOOR TILE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REPAIR THE OPENINGS IN THE CEILING DRYWALL ABOVE THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • BASEMENT EMPLOYEE RESTROOM LACKS A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE. MUST INSTALL.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR THE DRAIN LINE WATER LEAK UNDER THE 1ST FLOOR WOMEN'S RESTOOM HANDSINK. NO EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IS LOCATED AT THE 1ST FLOOR BAR. MUST INSTALL AN EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK.
  5. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • CLEAN UTENSILS STORED TOO CLOSE TO FLOOR, MUST STORE 6" OR HIGHER OFF THE FLOOR.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • ICE BIN AT BAR AREA MISSING A COVER, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
  6. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES MUST BE REPLACED.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS UNDER BAR AREA & AROUND THE ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT MUST BE FREE OF FOOD DEBRIS/DIRT.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALLS AROUND PREP STATIONS & BY THE 3-COMP SINK MUST BE KEPT CLEAN. CEILING AROUND THE WAIT STAFF AREA & ABOVE THE DRY STORAGE SHELVES (ACROSS THE ICE MACHINE) IN THE BASEMENT MUST BE FREE OF DUST/FOOD STAINS ALSO.
  7. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • (7-42-090) PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM 3/30/11 (REPORT #381312), WAS NOT CORRECTED AT THIS TIME. (#34-GROUT THE FLOOR TILES IN THE PREP AREA WHERE REQUIRED). A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Minor violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • SPLASH GUARDS NEEDED, TO THE LEFT (WASH SIDE) OF THE 3-COMP SINK BESIDE A STOVE; & TO THE LEFT OF HANDSINK (BESIDE THE RINSE SIDE OF THE 3-COMP SINK. ALL BARE/RAW WOOD SUPPORT UNDER BAR COUNTER MUST BE SEALED. All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • VERY POOR FLOOR GROUTING IN VARIOUS AREAS AT THE KICHEN COOK'S LINE & DISHROOM, WHERE FOOD DEBRIS/WATER OR ORGANIC MATTER IS PRESENT. The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • COMPRESSORS, FAN GUARDS, CONDENSER FANS OF ALL COOLERS MUST BE FREE OF DUST BUILD-UP. The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.
  9. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 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. REPLACE THE BROKEN LID ON ONE OF THE GARBAGE DUMPSTERS.
    • 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. DETAIL CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD, WIRE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.
    • 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. GROUT THE FLOOR TILES IN THE PREP AREA WHERE NEEDED.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. PROVIDE A LIGHT SHIELD FOR ONE OF THE LIGHT FIXTURES BELOW THE VENTILATION HOOD.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST PROVIDE DRAIN LINES FOR THE SODA GUNS BEHIND THE BAR AND ROUTE TO A FLOOR DRAIN.
  10. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 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. MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF FRYERS INCLUDING WHEELS AND REMOVE ALL GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE AND REMOVE RUST AND LIME.
    • 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. MUST CLEAN GROUT LINES IN PREP AREA WHERE NEEDED. ALSO RE-GROUT FLOORS WHERE NEEDED IN PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE STANDING WATER FROM FLOORS UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN PREP AREA.
    • 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. MUST REPLACE CRACKED WALL TILES IN 1ST FLOOR WAIT STATION AREA AND THROUGHOUT WHERE NEEDED.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • None of the operations connected with food establishments shall be conducted in any room used as living or sleeping quarters. MUST REPAIR BROKEN SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR IN BASEMENT.
    • 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. MUST REPAIR PIPES FROM DIPPER WELL UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN PREP AREA. THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT 1ST FLOOR BAR IS SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR.

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