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BLUE LINE

1548 N DAMEN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60622 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

BLUE LINE has been inspected 23 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since October 18, 2011. The most recent inspection, on September 17, 2025, recorded 4 infractions.

10 of 23 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: Cleaning and sanitizing, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Protecting food from contamination.

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.

  • 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 6 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on September 17, 2025. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 3, 2023. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 4, 2022. For example: CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 4, 2022. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on September 1, 2017. For example: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

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.

23 inspections

  1. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO VALID CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL BASE UNDER DISH MACHINE.
  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE FLOOR BENEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE PREP COOLERS.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  5. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE MAINTAINING IMPROPER FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 173F. THE MACHINE WAS TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE SO THAT IT MAINTAINS A FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 180-195F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE THERMOMETER ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  6. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND SINK IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE CUBES STORED AT BELOW ICE BIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. ALSO BLACK SLIME AT EXTERIOR OF UNIT BETWEEN ICE BIN AND TOP PART OF THE UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED ESTABLISHMENT SERVING UNDER COOKED FOOD ITEMS HAMBURGERS WITH NO CONSUMER ADVISOR DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH DISCLOSURE NOTICE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS (FLOUR AND SEASONING) STORED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANELS IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CEILING TILES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
  10. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  11. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  12. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED ESTABLISHMENT SERVING UNDER COOKED FOOD ITEMS HAMBURGERS WITH NO CONSUMER ADVISOR DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH DISCLOSURE NOTICE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
  13. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE PREP COOLERS AND WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED ESTABLISHMENT SERVING UNDER COOKED FOOD ITEMS HAMBURGERS WITH NO CONSUMER ADVISOR DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH DISCLOSURE NOTICE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • SEE VIOLATION #60
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS AVAILABLE ON PREMISES TO MEASURE THE CONCENTRATION OF SANITIZER AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED 2-COMPARTMENT IN FRONT BAR AREA DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • SEE VIOLATION #60
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • SEE VIOLATION #60
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 9/13/18 REPORT#2222320. #47 NOTED 2 OF THE SINK STOPPERS AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT PROPERLY WORKING. UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE ALSO UNABLE TO PROVIDE IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERITICATES AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BY NEXT INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATON 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  14. Canvass

    0 infractions

  15. Canvass

    0 infractions

  16. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #2-201.11.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #2-501.11.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED 2 OF THE SINK STOPPERS AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT PROPERLY WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • NOTED THE POTATOE SLICER AT THE 2 COMPARTMENT SINK DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • NOTED THE VENT COVER IN THE EMPLOYEES WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERITICATES ONSITE FOR INSPECTION OR CITATION WILL FOLLOW.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
  17. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE LINE PREP COOLER. OBSERVED SOUR CREAM AT 46F, CHEESE AT 51.3F, HUMMUS AT 46,4F, GUACAMOLE AT 47.7F, VEGGIE BURGER AT 44.6F, CHICKEN AT 44.1F, MEATLOAF AT 44.1F, WHIPPING CREAM AT 45.9F, FISH AT 48.2F, HAM AT 46.4F, POT PIE FILLING AT 45.9F, AND MILK AT 45.9F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 18# OF FOOD WORTH $190. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
    • 70. NO SMOKING REGULATIONS
      • OBSERVED AN ASHTRAY STORED ON THE BASEMENT EMPLOYEE WORK TABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT NO ASHTRAYS AND NO SMOKING IS ALLOWED INSIDE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. CHICAGO CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE 7-32-020.
  18. Canvass

    0 infractions

  19. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • WATER SPRAYER BY THE HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE LEAKING INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE. RUSTY SHELVES INSIDE THE PREP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL AND CARDBOARDS USED FOR SHELVING AND FOR UNDER THE PIZZA WOOD SPATULAS. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • GREASE INSIDE THE DEEP FRYERS,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO EXPOSED HAND SINK INSTALLED BEHIND THE BAR.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SAID SINK UNDER THE CITY PLUMBING CODE,ALSO PROVIDE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS/HAND DRYING DEVICE
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON PREMISES INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND KEEP IT ON PREMISES
  20. Canvass

    0 infractions

  21. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR TIMER ON FAUCET IN MEN WASHROOM. REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING. ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN BASEMENT LIQUOR STORAGE AREA.
  22. Canvass

    4 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 not provided with covers. Instructed to provide proper covers to prevent ice from being contaminated.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Can opener attached to prep table not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize. Soda gun holder not provided at bar soda dispenser. Instructed to install holder.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • Thermometer not provided inside beverage/condiment cooler. Instructed to provide thermometer conspicuously inside cooler.
  23. 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. MUST PROVIDE LIDS TO ICE CONTAINERS BEHIND BAR AREA
    • 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 CLEAN VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT BASEMENT AREA
    • 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. FLOOR STICKY BEHIND BAR AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN
    • 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. LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA NOT SHIELD, MUST PROVIDE SHIELDS, AND CLEAN LIGHT SHIELD BY BASEMENT AREA ICE MACHINE
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • 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. MUST REPAIR LEAKING FAUCETS AT 2 COMP., 3 COMP., AND EXPOSED HAND BOWL, IN BASEMENT AREA

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