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DAIRY QUEEN

2200 N LINCOLN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60614 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

DAIRY QUEEN has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 24, 2020. The most recent inspection, on July 21, 2026, recorded 5 infractions.

2 of 9 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 6 infractions recorded. 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 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 21, 2026. For example: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

  • 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 February 27, 2023. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 22, 2020. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 February 27, 2023. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 18 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on July 21, 2026. For example: SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

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.

9 inspections

  1. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • BOTTOM INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FREEZE FREEZER AND THE PREP AREA DAIRY COOLER WITH SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • NOTED BUCKETS OF STANDING LIQUID AT THE MOP SINK AND FAR REAR BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WASTE LIQUID.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • SOILED MOP HEADS MUST BE STORED INVERTED INSIDE THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER WITH SPILLAGE.----FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE WEST WALL PREP EQUIPMENT DIRTY. POOLING LIQUID ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT FAR REAR STORAGE ROOM WHERE SODA DISPENSING SYSTEM IS INSTALLED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL, REMOVE POOLING LIQUID AND MAINTAIN ALL.
  2. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. OBSERVED SEVERAL LIGHT BULBS NOT WORKING. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
  3. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  4. Short Form Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INITIAL INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INITIAL INSPECTION WHILE FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGER WAS TELEPHONED AND ARRIVED 45 MINUTES LATER. REVIEWED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 3-7-23 REPORT #2572125 NOT CORRECTED. #49-NOTED DIRTY METAL RACK SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER. #55- NOTED FLOORS IN THE THE WALK-IN COOLER AND ONE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS . THROUGHOUT THE HALLWAY STORAGE WHERE THE ICE CREAM CART IS STORED. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
  5. Complaint Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(B)-- NOTED DIRTY METAL RACK SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11-- NOTED FLOORS IN THE THE WALK-IN COOLER WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS: UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT AND ONE COMPARTMENT SINK. THROUGHOUT THE HALLWAY STORAGE WHERE THE ICE CREAM CART IS STORED. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
  6. Complaint

    13 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE AND NO SUCH PERSON ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS ICE CREAM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO WRITEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO WRITTEN CLEANING PROCEDURE AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR A VOMIT/DIARRHEA EVENT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE UPPER PORTION WHERE ICE FOR CONSUMPTION EXITS FROM THE SHOOT INTO THE BIN AND THE INNER SIDE OF THE PLASTIC GUARD INSIDE THE ICE BIN WITH A BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE DRIPPING DOWN INTO THE ICE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL INTERIOR ICE CONTACT SURFACES AND REMOVE BLACK SLIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS SUCH AS OREO PIECES AND POWDER SUPPLEMENTS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • NOTED DIRTY METAL RACK SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER.----INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE ICE CREAM FREEZER ACROSS FROM THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS. BASEMENT TALL REACH-IN FREEZER WITH JUICE SPILLAGE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • COLD WATER HANDLE BROKEN ON THE DISH/PREP HAND WASHING SINK. NO COLD WATER AVAILABLE. HOT WATER DOES NOT EXCEED 108.7F. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND PROVIDE COLD WATER.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • INTERIOR OF THE BASEMENT EMPLOYEE WASHROOM TOILET DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS: UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT AND ONE COMPARTMENT SINK. THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER. UNDER THE BAG-IN-BOX SODA DISPENSING SYSTEM IN THE BASEMENT. THROUGHOUT THE HALLWAY STORAGE WHERE THE ICE CREAM CART IS STORED. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----NOTED PEELING/CHIPPING CORK BULLETIN BOARD ON THE WALL ABOVE THE REAR CAKE DECORATING PREP TABLE. MUST REMOVE/REPLACE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 5-22-20 REPORT #2370998 NOT CORRECTED. #47- MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.#53- NO LID PROVIDED AT RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOMS. NEED TO PROVIDE. #55-METAL SHEET ON FLOOR AT INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER MUST BE REPLACE AT FRONT OF THE DOOR. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE. #55- EXCESS UNUSED ITEMS IN BASEMENT AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND ELEVATE ITEMS NEEDED 6"OFF THE FLOOR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • SUMMARY REPORT FROM 5-22-20 REPORT #2370998 POSTED ON PREMISE NOT VISIBLE TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS CUSTOMERS. SUMMARY NOTED FACING INTO THE PREP AREA WHERE CUSTOMERS HAVE NO ACCESS AND NOT VISIBLE. TODAYS SUMMARY POSTED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B) CITATION ISSUED
  7. Short Form Complaint

    10 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN AND KIT FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • PARTIAL OF WASTE PIPE ARE INSTALLED ABOVE DISPOSABLE CUPS,FOOD CONTAINER. MUST BE ENCASED SAID PIPE OR RELOCATE MENTIONED ITEMS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE -
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE TWO DOOR REACH-IN FREEZER,IN DINING AREA.REPAIR/REPLACE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS -
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT ICE MACHINE WATER LINE,AT PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • NO LID PROVIDED AT RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOMS. NEED TO PROVIDE -
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • DOOR THAT ENCLOSE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED AT BOTTOM AND BETWEEN DOOR WITH GAP.INSTRUCTED REPAIR DOOR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • BROKEN,PEELING PAINT ON CEILING AT BASEMENT AREA. REPAIR/REPAINT CEILING. ALSO METAL SHEET ON FLOOR AT INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER MUST BE REPLACE AT FRONT OF THE DOOR. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • EXCESS UNUSED ITEMS IN BASEMENT AREA AND AT STAIRCASE(FIRST FLOOR).INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND ELEVATE ITEMS NEEDED 6"OFF THE FLOOR. -
  8. License

    10 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN AND KIT FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • PARTIAL OF WASTE PIPE ARE INSTALLED ABOVE DISPOSABLE CUPS,FOOD CONTAINER. MUST BE ENCASED SAID PIPE OR RELOCATE MENTIONED ITEMS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE -
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE TWO DOOR REACH-IN FREEZER,IN DINING AREA.REPAIR/REPLACE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS -
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT ICE MACHINE WATER LINE,AT PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • NO LID PROVIDED AT RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOMS. NEED TO PROVIDE -
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • DOOR THAT ENCLOSE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED AT BOTTOM AND BETWEEN DOOR WITH GAP.INSTRUCTED REPAIR DOOR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • BROKEN,PEELING PAINT ON CEILING AT BASEMENT AREA. REPAIR/REPAINT CEILING. ALSO METAL SHEET ON FLOOR AT INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER MUST BE REPLACE AT FRONT OF THE DOOR. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • EXCESS UNUSED ITEMS IN BASEMENT AREA AND AT STAIRCASE(FIRST FLOOR).INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND ELEVATE ITEMS NEEDED 6"OFF THE FLOOR. -
  9. License

    0 infractions

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