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FAIRGROUNDS ERIE

306 W ERIE ST, CHICAGO, IL 60654 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

FAIRGROUNDS ERIE has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 30, 2021. The most recent inspection, on April 23, 2026, recorded 5 infractions.

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

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

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 4 separate inspections, most recently on April 23, 2026. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on April 23, 2026. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 April 16, 2026. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 23, 2025. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Food safety training and certificationLower risk

    Most jurisdictions require a certified food handler or manager on site, and some require allergen or food-worker training. These findings mean the paperwork or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean food was handled unsafely.

    Recorded 9 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on April 23, 2026. For example: ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

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.

10 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN REAR DISH AREA MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER CHEMICAL SANITIZER CONCENTRATION OF 0PPM OF CHLORINE. MACHINE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT MACHINE MAY NOT BE USED WHILE TAGGED. PREVIOUSLY TAGGED MACHINE WAS IN USE AT TIME OF RE-INSPECTION.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN MACHINE SO THAT IT DELIVERS CHEMICAL SANITIZER AT PROPER CONCENTRATIONS BETWEEN 50-100PPM OF CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE GRAB AND GO COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET IN NORTHERN MOST UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL EMPLOYEES WITH MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. SEE COMMENTS. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ONSITE AT ALL TIMES.
  2. Canvass

    13 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO POST CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE MAINTAINING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO SOAP INSIDE UNISEX TOILET ROOM ON NORTHERN SIDE OF BUILDING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN SOAP AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FRONT COFFEE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN REAR DISH AREA MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER CHEMICAL SANITIZER CONCENTRATION OF 0PPM OF CHLORINE. MACHINE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN MACHINE SO THAT IT DELIVERS CHEMICAL SANITIZER AT PROPER CONCENTRATIONS BETWEEN 50-100PPM OF CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME IN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE USED TO PRODUCE ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE GRAB AND GO COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN AND DIRTY GASKETS ON INTERIOR OF REAR PREP COOLER OPPOSITE TURBOCHEF OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET IN NORTHERN MOST UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRTY PAIR OF SCISSORS HANGING IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DUST ON VENT IN NORTHERNMOST UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL EMPLOYEES WITH MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. SEE COMMENTS. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ONSITE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2616273 DATED 4/23/2025. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.15: OBSERVED OPENING IN MIDDLE AT BASE OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOUBLE DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-202.15: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON CAN OPENER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE CAN OPENER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATES.
  4. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IMPROPERLY SANTIZING AT A CONCENTRATION OF 0PPM CHLORINE. CORRECTED ON SITE 'HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 45.5-48.4F. OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HAM SANDWICH(47.3F), ITALIAN SUB SANDWICH(47.1F), YOGURT(46.0F), CHICKEN WRAP(46.0-46.6F), TUNA SANDWICH(47.5F), SALAD WITH BEANS AND CHEESE(48.4F) AND CHEESE CUBES(45.5F) HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $75 WEIGHING 10LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED OPENING IN MIDDLE AT BASE OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOUBLE DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 SMALL FLIES AND 1 LIVE ROACH IN FACILITY. OBSERVED SMALL FLY ACTIVITY IN SUCH AREAS AS REAR STORAGE, REAR PREP AND DISHWASHING AREA. OBSERVED ROACH CRAWLING ON TABLE IN DINING AREA. MANAGER KILLED ROACH BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLY AND ROACH ACTIVITY IN FACILITY AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED PEST CONTROL SERVICE FACILITY ON OR AFTER 4/16/2025. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON CAN OPENER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE CAN OPENER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATES.
  5. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • No certified food service manager on site while handling and serving TCS foods ( deli meat, chicken...) instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • Low temp dish washing machine not sanitizing at final rinse, 0ppm of Cl obtained on sanitizer test strips. Instructed manager to provide proper sanitizer concentration at final rinse. Priority violation 7-38-025.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • Food handler not wearing hair restraints, instructed to wear.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • Spoons kept in standing water. instructed to keep in a clean dry container.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.11: GASKETS ON THE COOLER DOOR IS MISSING UNDER ESPRESSO AREA. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE MISSING GASKETS.
  7. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • EXTERIOR LARGE SIDE ENTRANCE DOOR/WINDOWS IS LEFT WIDE OPEN WHICH ALLOWS FOR PESTS/INSECTS TO ENTER THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. EXTERIOR DOORS SHALL BE: SELF-CLOSING, SOLID AND TIGHT FITTING, AND LIMITED TO DESIGNATED USE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE LARGE/SMALL BLACK FLYING INSECTS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN FACILITY. FACILITY MUST ELIMINATE LARGE/SMALL BLACK FLYING INSECTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (a) CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • GASKETS ON THE COOLER DOOR IS MISSING UNDER ESPRESSO AREA. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE MISSING GASKETS.
  8. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT RENDERED INACCESSIBLE WITH BOXES OF CUPS PILED IN IT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND ACROSS FROM ESPRESSO MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS ITEMS HELD AT THE STATED IMRPOPER TEMPERATURES IN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA: SAUASAGE AT 56.1F, GUACAMOLE AT 50.9F, DELI MEAT 55.7F, DELI MEAT AT 54.8F, AND EGGS AT 45.8F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROXIMATELY 10LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $100. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS ITEMS AT OR BELOW 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED .
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED 2 DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA CONTAINING TCS ITEMS SUCH AS SAUSAGE MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 56.8F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR COOLER SO THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF MAINTAINING AN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR LESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
  9. License

    1 infraction

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE.
  10. License

    0 infractions

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