Skip to content
Loading map…

BOXCAR BETTY'S

500 W MADISON ST, CHICAGO, IL 60661 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

BOXCAR BETTY'S has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 17, 2018. The most recent inspection, on February 23, 2026, found no infractions.

3 of 12 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 0 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food source, labelling and allergens and Food temperature control.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on November 9, 2021. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 April 24, 2025. 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 on July 5, 2022. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 18, 2020. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded once on March 16, 2023. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

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. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • Bulk food container ( salt ) not labeled, Instructed to label and maintain.
  3. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • Old food stickers not removed off utensils during washing, instructed to remove.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • Loose wires noted on flour sifters, instructed to use sound utensils.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND OPERATOR MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 PEST INSPECTIONS A YEAR, AND THE REPORTS MUST BE MAINTAINED IN THE LOG BOOK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AND PEST INSPECTION REPORTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOUND ALL FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES EXPIRED. FOUND FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
  7. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN, CHEESE, COLESLAW) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES LOCATED IN REACH IN AND PREP COOLER DURING THE INSPECTION; 5LBS LBS OF CHICKEN AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 53 F- 58F, INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE ALL SAID TCS FOODS . INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A MINNIMUM COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED REACH IN COOLER AT AN IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 53F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST DISCARD ALL TCS FOODS AND NOT USE REACH IN COOLER. COOLER MUST MAINTAIN A PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. REACH IN COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL THE WALK IN COOLER IS RE-INSPECTED BY CDPH AND MAINTAINING A PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE FOR 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND NO RUNNING WATER AT 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT PREP WHEN HOT WATER KNOB IS TURNED ON. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HOT RUNNING WATER.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOUND ALL FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES EXPIRED. FOUND FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
  8. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AT HAND SINK IN KITCHEN NEXT TO COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED MUST PROVIDE HAND SOAP AT ALL HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PIC PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION PROVIDED AT HAND SINK IN REAR OF KITCHEN. MUST PROVIDE SANITARY MEANS TO DRY HANDS AT ALL HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PIC PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). SEE ABOVE VIOLATION 6-301.11 FOR CITATION.
  9. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  10. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.# 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN CLEAN UP PROCEDURE POSTED ON SITE OR NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN POLICY AVAILABLE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.# 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AVAILABLE AT HAND SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HAND WASHING WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. MANAGER PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AS WELL AS GREASE ACCUMULATION ON ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FRYERS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • OBSERVED WASTE WATER BACKING UP IN ALL THREE FLOOR DRAINS AND POURING ON THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION.THE FLOODING OF WATER OCCURS WHEN EITHER OF THE REAR HANDSINKS ARE TURNED ON AND RUNNING AS WELL AS WHEN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BASINS ARE LET OUT TO DRAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS/GREASE DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA UNDER STORAGE SHELF UNITS AS WELL AS BEHIND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • SEE VIOLATION # 60.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2291051 ON JUNE 6, 2019. VIOLATION IS AS FOLLOWS.. #58) ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • OBSERVED COMPLIANCE SUMMARY REPORT COVERED WITH ILLINOIS BUSINESS AUTHORIZATION LICENSE WITH TAPE. NOTED ONLY BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS VISIBLE ALONG WITH INSPECTION DATE. SUMMARY REPORT RESULTS AND FINDINGS NOT VISIBLE TO PUBLIC.INSTRUCTED TO POST ENTIRE SUMMARY REPORT TO BE VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-010 (B). CITATION ISSUED.
  11. Canvass

    11 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • #16 (ICE MACHINE) OBSERVED A BLACK SLIME LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR PANEL AND HOSES OF NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES OR PROCEDURES ONSITE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SUPPLIES AN
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • MUST PROVIDE DATE MARKINGS TO TCS/RTE FOODS, PREPARED ONSITE AND HELD IN COOLERS OVER 24 HRS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUME BY DATES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 29. COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP
      • OBSERVED SOU VIE MACHINE ON SITE, NOT BEING USED DURING THE INSPECTION. OWNER SUBMITTED HACCP DOCUMENTS ON 5/23/19 TO CDPH. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MACHINE UNTIL APPROVED BY CDPH. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 32. VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS
      • SEE VIOLATION 29 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPLACE BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON 2-DOOR TRUE COOLER IN REAR, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM STOVE, FRYER, MOUNTED POTATOE PEELER, AND INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF ALL REACH IN COOLERS & FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN WATER FROM FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA, AND ON FLOOR BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REMOVE CLUTTER (CARDBOARD BOXES) FROM UNDER 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN GREASE ACCUMULATION FROM HOOD FILTERS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
  12. License

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Observed no splash guard on right side of exposed hand sink, in prep area next to prep table, on west wall. Instructed to install splash guards in said area. Maintain at all times.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Observed small leak at twist valve handle at wash sink, in 3 compartment sink area. Instructed manager to repair and maintain at all times.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • Observed ice scoop resting/stored on exterior top shoulder surface of ice machine, in rear prep area. Instructed manager to store ice scoop in designated food grade container with lid. Maintain at all times.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website