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ELSKE

1350 W RANDOLPH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60607 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

ELSKE has been inspected 18 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since November 15, 2016. The most recent inspection, on February 10, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

10 of 18 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food source, labelling and allergens and Cleaning and sanitizing.

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.

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on November 27, 2023. 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 October 13, 2017. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

  • 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 July 28, 2021. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • 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 October 5, 2017. For example: FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

  • 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 October 5, 2017. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

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.

18 inspections

  1. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • MULTI USE EQUIPMENT (POTS) STORED UNDERNEATH PLUMBING PIPE/FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM. INSTD TO PROPERLY SHIELD PIPE LINE OR REMOVE EQUIPMENT FROM UNDERNEATH
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • SINGLE SERVICE SPOONS STORED IN CABINET UNDER HANDWASH SINK IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE FROM CABINET AND STORE IN A CLEAN, DRY LOCATION, WHERE THEY ARE NOT EXPOSED TO SPLASH, DUST OR OTHER CONTAMINATION AND AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
  4. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED ON MAIN COOK LINE AND AT BAR LOCATED IN 2ND FLOOR PRIVATE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED UNUSED CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED SMALL AMOUNT OF DEBRIS ON GROUND AROUND DUMPSTERS IN REAR ALLEY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
  6. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass

    0 infractions

  8. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN THE WASHROOM. A sign or poster that notifies FOOD EMPLOYEES to wash their hands shall be provided at all HANDWASHING SINKS used by FOOD EMPLOYEES and shall be clearly visible to FOOD EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • OBSERVED GLASSWARE NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INVERT AND/OR COVER GLASSWARE AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE TEST STRIPS/TESTING DEVICE ON SITE TO ADEQUATELY MEASURE THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE (160F) AFTER THE FINAL RINSE FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN BASEMENT DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN 2ND FLOOR ALL-GENDER WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • NOTED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2213302 CONDUCTED ON 8/22/2018: ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE ON-LINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON-SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090.
  10. Canvass

    0 infractions

  11. Canvass

    0 infractions

  12. Suspected Food Poisoning

    0 infractions

  13. Suspected Food Poisoning

    1 infraction

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2.501.11 NO CLEAN-UP KIT AVAILABLE ON-SITE DURING THE INSPECTION FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE KIT AND PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOTING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT INVOLVE THE DISCHARGE OF FECAL OR VOMITUS MATTER ONTO SURFACES IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
  14. Suspected Food Poisoning

    4 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2.102.14(A)(A) NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE ONSITE DURING THE INSPECTION FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE FORM 1B OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012(A) NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2.501.11 NO CLEAN-UP KIT AVAILABLE ON-SITE DURING THE INSPECTION FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE KIT AND PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOTING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT INVOLVE THE DISCHARGE OF FECAL OR VOMITUS MATTER ONTO SURFACES IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • 4.904.11(B) MUST INVERT UTENSILS STORED IN THE DISH ROOM, NEAR DISH MACHINE IN BASEMENT, TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE ON-LINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON-SITE.
  15. Canvass

    0 infractions

  16. Canvass Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON BOTTOM OF WALK IN COOLER.MUST PROVIDE A GATE OR BARRIER AT ENTRY TO 1ST FL. PREP AREA TO PREVENT CUSTOMERS FROM ENTERING.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM COOLERS,OVEN,COUNTER TOP UNDER COFFEE MACHINE,BAR SINKS,WALK IN COOLER -SHELVING UNITS AND FAN GUARD COVERS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN ELECTRICAL CLOSET.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • Inspector Comments: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
  17. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • OBSERVED FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING RECEIVING.OBSERVED(49LBS) 2- BOXES OF FRESH WHOLE VEGETABLES SUCH AS ZUCCHINI,BABY SQUASH,CABBAGE,KABOTCHA SQUASH,GREEN BEANS,WAX BEANS OUTSIDE IN THE ELEMENTS OF REAR DOOR IN BETWEEN THE GARBAGE CAN AND GREASE CONTAINER.ALSO,OBSERVED VACUUM PACKAGED AND FERMENTED FOOD ITEMS DONE ON PREMISES STORED IN ELEVATED LIFT ROOM,WALK IN COOLER AND REACH IN FREEZER THAT HAD NOT BEEN APPROVED BY CDPH SUCH AS( COOKED GREENS,BEEF,BACON,HONEY,DUCK LIVERS,STOCK,SWEET BREAD,SAGE OIL,PORK SAUSAGE, ASSORTED CHEESES,ETC)PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER AT THIS TIME.MUST RECEIVE FOOD ITEMS DURING BUSINESS HOURS TO KEEP FROM BEING LEFT OUTSIDE IN THE ELEMENTS AND NO VACUUM PACKAGING OR FERMENTING FOOD ITEMS UNTIL APPROVED.APPX.423LBS.$2,360(SERIOUS 7-38-005A)
    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX.25 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND BOTH BAR AREAS,IN A CONTAINER OF ONIONS IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.ALSO,APPX. 6-8 LIVE LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND DINING AREA ,BASEMENT PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.APPX."3/4" GAP IN LOWER RIGHT CORNER OF REAR GARBAGE DOOR.RODENT PROOF DOOR.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 10/5/17.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON BOTTOM OF WALK IN COOLER.MUST PROVIDE A GATE OR BARRIER AT ENTRY TO 1ST FL. PREP AREA TO PREVENT CUSTOMERS FROM ENTERING.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM COOLERS,OVEN,COUNTER TOP UNDER COFFEE MACHINE,BAR SINKS,WALK IN COOLER -SHELVING UNITS AND FAN GUARD COVERS,INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP IN FLOOR DRAINS IN BAR AREAS AND BASEMENT.MUST REMOVE STANDING WATER IN FLOOR DRAINS IN BASEMENT NEAR ICE MACHINE.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN ELECTRICAL CLOSET.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
  18. License

    0 infractions

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