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HALSTED STREET DELI & BAGEL

500 W MADISON ST, CHICAGO, IL 60661 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

HALSTED STREET DELI & BAGEL has been inspected 13 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since November 19, 2015. The most recent inspection, on May 7, 2026, recorded 5 infractions.

4 of 13 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 5 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food temperature control and Cleaning and sanitizing.

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 8 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on May 7, 2026. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 5 separate inspections, most recently on April 17, 2025. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 7, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 February 11, 2019. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • Chemicals and toxic substancesHigher risk

    Cleaning products, sanitizers and pesticides must be labelled and stored away from food and food-contact surfaces. Inspectors flag chemicals that could end up in food, as well as pest treatments applied without proper supervision.

    Recorded once on January 10, 2018. For example: DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK

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.

13 inspections

  1. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED REAR KITCHEN AREA HANDWASHING SINK (NEAR 2-DOOR UPRIGHT FREEZER) OBSTRUCTED BY UNUSED EQUIPMENT AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN ALL HANDWASHING SINKS UNOBSTRUCTED AND ACCESSIBLE FOR USE AT ALL TIMES. PERSON-IN-CHARGE REMOVED OBSTRUCTIONS FROM HANDWASHING SINK ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HAND SOAP NOT PROVIDED AT THE REAR KITCHEN AREA (NEAR 2-DOOR UPRIGHT FREEZER) HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND SOAP AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AVAILABLE FOR USE IN HANDWASHING AT ALL TIMES. PERSON-IN-CHARGE PROVIDED HAND SOAP TO HANDWASHING SINK ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C) CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF ENCRUSTED GREASE DEPOSITS ON FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF SANDWICH PRESSES AT THE FRONT SERVICE LINE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT MATERIALS WITH ADEQUATE CLEANING EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF ENCRUSTED GREASE DEPOSITS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED ICE CREAM SCOOP DIPPER WELL AT THE RIGHT-HAND FRONT SERVICE AREA IN POOR REPAIR, DETACHED FROM WALL WITH PLUMBING DISCONNECTED OR OTHERWISE IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ICE CREAM SCOOP DIPPER WELL OR REMOVE PLUMBING EQUIPMENT AND CONNECTIONS IF NOT IN USE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: REAR KITCHEN AREA (NEAR HANDWASHING SINK/UPRIGHT FREEZER) WITH EXCESSIVE UNUSED EQUIPMENT, RIGHT-HAND FRONT SERVICE AREA WITH EXCESSIVE UNUSED EQUIPMENT, EMPTY BOXES, AND UNUSED UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNUSED EQUIPMENT FROM THE PREMISES AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS OF THE FACILITY FREE FROM EXCESSIVE LITTER OR ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO FOOD OPERATIONS.
  2. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • Unable to view cooler thermometer, placed at rear of cooler, Instructed to keep in warmest part where it can be view easily.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Rough brick wall with food stains behind front prep line, instructed manager to install a smooth easy to clean surface.
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE DELI MEAT SLICER TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER IN THE PREP AREA WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS BEHIND EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
  4. Canvass

    0 infractions

  5. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 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
      • NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES ON SITE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP KIT AND POST PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • MUST PROVIDE DATE MARKINGS ON RAW CHICKEN & BEEF STORED IN THE 2-DOOR COOLER IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUME BY DATE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
  9. Canvass

    13 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
      • NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES ON SITE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP KIT AND POST PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 6. PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEES DRINKING IN FRONT & REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED THAT EMPLOYEE shall eat, drink, only in designated areas where the contamination of exposed FOOD; clean EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, and LINENS; unwrapped SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES; or other items needing protection cannot result. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED 17 LBS OF DELI MEAT IN THE FRONT PREP COOLER AT 54F, VALUED AT $25. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED MEAT. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD RTE/TCS COLD FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • MUST PROVIDE DATE MARKINGS ON RAW CHICKEN & BEEF STORED IN THE 2-DOOR COOLER IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUME BY DATE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • NO CHLORINE OR QUATERNARY TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO TEST THE CHEMICAL STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZING SOLUTION IN THE 3-COMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TEST STRIPS AND KEEP ONSITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR LEAKY STOPPER UNDERNEATH MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF 3-COMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • OBSERVED WASTE WATER COMING UP FROM FLOOR DRAIN IN REAR PREP AREA, WHEN WATER IS RUNNING AT THE HAND SINK IN THE SAID AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PLUMBER TO HAVE DRAIN RODDED OR REPAIRED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND IN DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR NON-WORKING DIPPER WELL ON ICE CREAM COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO CONNECT TO WATER LINE IN ORDER TO WORK PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHTS IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
  10. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS, STORAGE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE, ON FRONT COUNTER PREP AREA: 84.9F, 2LBS, TOMATOES BASIL SOUP, AT VALUE $10.00 71.6F, 2.5LBS STUFFED PEPPER, AT A VALUE OF $10.00 70.6F, 4LBS, BROWN RICE SOUP, AT A VALUE OF $15.00 74.3F, 1LB OF CHILI, AT A VALUE OF $10.00 121.0F, 4LBS OF BLACK BEAN SOUP, AT A VALUE OF $6.50 MANAGER STATED TOTAL WEIGHT OF 13.50 LBS AT APPROXIMATELY VALUE OF $51.50 MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED/DENATURED SAID FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP ALL COLD FOOD AT 40 F OR BELOW AND HOT FOOD AT 140 OR ABOVE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
    • 22. DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT ON SITE, AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CHEMICAL TEST KIT TO DETERMINE PROPER CONCENTRATION OF SANITIZING SOLUTION. MANAGER CORRECT VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED DARK DEEP GROOVES AND STAINS ON CUTTING BOARD LOCATED ON BACK WALL, FRONT PREP STATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED MISSING HOT FAUCET HANDLE AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA. ALSO OBSERVED SMALL LEAK UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT RINSE TWIST VALVE. OBSERVED BUCKET UNDERNEATH SAID AREA COLLECTING POOLED WATER. IN ADDITION OBSERVED ALL TWIST VALVE AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, NOT ABLE TO HOLD WATER WITH OUT THE AID OF PLASTIC WRAP SEAL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR ALL ABOVE. MAINTAIN IT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED ICE CREAM SCOOP DRIP WELL, NOT CONNECTED AT FRONT ICE CREAM STATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • OBSERVED 1 FOOD HANDLER, IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT FOOD HANDLERS MUST WARE HAIR RESTRAINTS WHENEVER FOODS ARE PREPARED AND OR SERVED. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  11. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • Found the following potentially hazardous foods at improper temperatures in the reach in cooler across from hot holding unit in front prep: 1lb of ham @ 46.8F ($8); 1/2lb of turkey @ 45.7F ($5); 1lb of American cheese @ 46.2F ($5); and 7lbs of roast beef @ 50.2F ($18). Advised must keep all potentially hazardous foods at 40F or less if cold, and 140F or higher if hot, at all times. Operator voluntarily discarded denatured foods during inspection. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).
    • 12. HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
      • Found exposed hand sinks not accessible in the following areas: front hand sink near coffee area had a pan inside sink; and rear prep hand sink had a pan inside sink. Found rear hand sink without paper towels. Instructed all hand sink must be accessible at all times. Instructed all hand sinks must be stocked with hot/cold water, soap and paper towels at all times. Operator removed items from sinks, and stocked rear sink with paper towels. Critical violation 7-38-030.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • No City of Chicago certified food manager on site while potentially hazardous foods being prepped (chicken, soup, etc.). Instructed must have a city of Chicago certified food manager on site at all times. Serious violation 7-38-012.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Found heavily stained cutting board in front prep area, with deep groves. Must resurface or replace. Must maintain same.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Found all reach in coolers in the front prep area heavily soiled in the lower interior. Must remove all items, deep clean and sanitize all coolers. Must maintain same.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Found 3 holes in the wall in the dish room. Must repair and maintain same.
  12. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS BEING STORED IN THE STEAM TABLE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: SOUP, 67 DEGREES, 5LBS/$20; CHILI, 92 DEGREES, 8 LBS/$20; MARINARA SAUCE, 115 DEGREES, 5 LBS/$20. OPERATOR VOLUNATARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED THESE PRODUCTS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN HOT FOODS AT 140 OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-005(A)
    • 28. * INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS
      • UPON INSPECTION, OBSERVED THAT THE INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS NOT POSTED, DISPLAYED OR VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED TO POST THE MOST CURRENT INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AT ALL TIMES IN A MANNER THAT IS VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-42-10(B)
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED BOXES OF SODA AND FOOD PACKAGING STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE DISH WASHING ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL FOOD AND FOOD EQUIPMENT AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE WALL.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR THE LEAKS AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET AND THE COFFEE BAR EXPOSED HAND SINK FAUCET.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON CUTTING BOARDS AND PREP COUNTERS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN THE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZER SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
  13. License

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • REMOVE RUST FROM EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTALL A DIPPER AT PACKED ICE CREAM STATION.

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