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DRAGONLADY LOUNGE

3188 N ELSTON AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60618 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

DRAGONLADY LOUNGE has been inspected 23 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since October 17, 2012. The most recent inspection, on October 29, 2025, recorded 5 infractions.

11 of 23 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 5 infractions recorded. 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on January 10, 2019. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on January 10, 2019. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 October 29, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 6, 2023. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 once on October 29, 2025. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

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

    5 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED ICE BIN IN THE BAR AREA WITH ICE INSIDE UNCOVERED AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE A COVER OR LID FOR ICE BIN TO PROTECT FROM OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF THE TWO DOOR COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HEAVY DUST ACCUMULATION ON VENTILATION FANS IN THE RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WET MOP STORED IN THE BUCKET IN THE REAR PREP AREA NEXT TO HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO HANG MOPS TO ALLOW TO DRY WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. ANY FOOD EMPLOYEE THAT IS NOT A CERTIFIED FOOD PROTECTION MANAGER MUST COMPLETE BASIC FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    0 infractions

  4. License

    4 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE PREP SERVICE COOLER, DOOR OF 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT ALL AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED DUST ACCUMULATION ON WALL BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
  5. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN THE BAR AREA.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT RAW WOOD WALL INSIDE BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE (2) CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF PREP COOLER IN THE PREP/COOKING AREA.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • TOILET ROOM DOORS MUST BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON MEN AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM DOOR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES (WOOD, CABINET ETC) IN REAR OURTSIDE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  6. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY AT TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL ABOVE MIRROR IN MEN'S ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNUSED HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE AND UNUSED 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN AND REAR OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN OR REMOVE FROM FACILITY.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE TO COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
  8. Canvass

    0 infractions

  9. Canvass

    0 infractions

  10. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER REFRIGERATED READY-TO-EAT TCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR GREATER THAN 24 HOURS MUST HAVE SELL BY DATE ON LABELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • NO CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON MENU. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON MENU OR ON TABLE TENTS/PLACARDS AT ALL TABLES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • METAL STEM THEROMETER NOT CALIBRATED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CALIBRATE METAL STEM THEROMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS AND KEEP ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MISSING STOPPERS (X2). INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED CEILING LIGHT COVERS MISSING (X2) ABOVE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE COVERS FOR SAID CEILING LIGHT BULBS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
  11. Canvass

    0 infractions

  12. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD FILTERS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE MOP SINK. MUST REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING TILES.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED ONE MISSING CEILING LIGHT COVER ABOVE PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE COVER FOR PREP AREA LIGHT BULBS.
  13. Complaint

    0 infractions

  14. Canvass

    0 infractions

  15. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • MUST PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOODS NOT IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS. FOUND LARGE DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS HOLDING RICE,SUGAR, AND FLOUR NOT PROPERLY LABELED IN THE KITCHEN DRY STORAGE RACK.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST REPAIR/REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILIGN TILES IN THE KITCHEN AND THE REAR HALLWAY LEADING TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR.
  16. Canvass

    0 infractions

  17. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  18. Complaint Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 10. SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER DISPOSAL, NO BACK SIPHONAGE, CROSS CONNECTION AND/OR BACK FLOW
      • AT THIS TIME-- INSPECTED THE KITCHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK,WHEN WATER IS FILLED IN MIDDLE COMPARTMENT THEN RELEASED WATER OVERFLOWS FROM THE OPEN SITE DRAIN ALL ON THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.MUST CORRECT SUCH THAT WATERS DRAIN AS REQUIRED.CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030. NO CITATION ISSUED.
  19. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 9. WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE
      • PREMISES WAS ISSUED A BOIL WATER ADVISORY NOTICE ON THURSDAY 2/26/15,BY THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER MANAGEMENT--------------- UPON ARRIVAL ON THE PREMISES IS OPEN/OPERATING AT THIS TIME. ALSO,OBSERVED CUSTOMERS WALKING INTO THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT DURING THIS INSPECTION. PREMISES IS PREPARING SOUP ETC. WITH POSSIBLE CONTAMINATED WATER. ALSO,THE WATER DEPT. HAD SAMPLES TAKEN AND NO RESULTS WERE GIVEN AS OF THIS TIME.. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED AS REQUIRED.OWNER INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS.
  20. Canvass

    0 infractions

  21. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND BAR AREA NEXT TO DRAIN BOARD OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT REAR KITCHEN AREA,
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING PANELS IN THE KITCHEN AREA,
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MUST PROVIDE MORE LIGHT IN BASEMENT AREA, LIGHT NOT WORKING,
  22. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OPENINGS NOTED AROUND THE PIPES NEAR THE CEILING INSIDE THE CLOSET AND WASHROOMS; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. ALSO MUST CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE PREP TABLE AND EQUIPMENT INSIDE THE KITCHEN.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON MENS WASHROOM DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
  23. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • PREP FOODS AND DRIED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT DATED/LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO DATE/LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • INSTRUCTED, CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED ON STORAGE SHELVES THRU-OUT THE KITCHEN.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO SEAL RAW/BARE WOOD STORAGE SHELVES INSIDE THE STORAGE ROOM.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST CLEAN FLOORS INSIDE STORAGE ROOM AND BAR AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING PANELS IN THE KITCHEN, CLEAN VENT COVERS INSIDE THE WASHROOMS AND CEILING ATTACHMENTS THRU-OUT.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR COOLERS.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED, CLEANING TOWELS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED.

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