Skip to content
Loading map…

HANNAH'S BRETZEL

555 W MONROE ST, CHICAGO, IL 60661 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

HANNAH'S BRETZEL has been inspected 14 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 13, 2013. The most recent inspection, on December 27, 2023, found no infractions.

2 of 14 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Food source, labelling and allergens and Protecting food from contamination.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. 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.

  • 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 July 17, 2019. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 July 22, 2019. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 July 22, 2019. For example: CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 5, 2018. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 March 1, 2019. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

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.

14 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Complaint Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • MUST PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENUS REGARDING RAW OR UNDER-COOKED EGGS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED. (REFER TO HANDOUT)
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPLACE BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON 2-DOOR TRUE REACH IN COOLER & FREEZER IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR LEAK ON BACK-FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON MOP SINK NEXT TO HOT WATER TANK IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
  4. Complaint

    7 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED 2 LBS OF EGGS (57F) AND 1 LBS OF CREAM CHEESE AT 60F, AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE STORED IN ICE WATER ON THE PREP COUNTER. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED FOOD, INSTRUCTED TO HOLD COLD TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW. $25 IN VALUE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • MUST PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENUS REGARDING RAW OR UNDER-COOKED EGGS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED. (REFER TO HANDOUT)
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPLACE BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON 2-DOOR TRUE REACH IN COOLER & FREEZER IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AT HAND SINK IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO RESTORE HOT WATER WITHIN 2 DAYS (7/19/19). STAFF AND CUSTOMERS CAN USE LADIES TOILET ROOM TO WASH HANDS UNTIL HOT WATER IS RESTORED AT HAND SINK IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR LEAK ON BACK-FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON MOP SINK NEXT TO HOT WATER TANK IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT FRONT & REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
  5. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACE OF ICE MACHINE, SURFACE A LITTLE DIRTY. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPLACE BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON 2-DOOR TRUE REACH IN COOLER IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM MOUNTED CAN OPENER ON PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT FRONT & REAR PREP AREAS, ALSO CLEAN FLOOR IN MANAGER'S OFFICE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY CLUTTER (BOXES & MILK CRATES) FROM REAR PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR DETACHED WALL (CORNER) IN HALLWAY LEADING TO REAR EXIT DOOR, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED HANGING BROKEN LIGHT FIXTURE IN TRUE REFRIGERATOR, UNIT 3. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED BLUE TAPE AND GRAY DUCT TAPE USED AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON REFRIGERATOR MIDDLE DOOR HINGE ON UNIT 3 AND UNIT 4. INFORMED MANAGER THAT ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED GROUT UNDERNEATH REAR DRY STORAGE WIRE SHELVING UNIT, WITH LARGE GAPS AND CREVICES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL GAPS, CRACKS AND CREVICES, TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING, IN SAID AREA. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED FLOORS BEHIND GREASE TRAP AND FLOOR AND WALL JUNCTION UNDERNEATH ICE MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD, GREASE AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS IN LIGHT SHIELD LOCATED ABOVE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  7. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED 8 OR MORE LIVE COCKROACHES ACTIVELY CRAWLING UNDERNEATH WIRE SHELVING UNITS IN DISH WASHING AREA, AS WELL AS UNDERNEATH TRUE FREEZER, UNIT 2 IN REAR PREPARATION AREA . INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT WITH PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO ELIMINATE ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION # 7-38-020.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED HANGING BROKEN LIGHT FIXTURE IN TRUE REFRIGERATOR, UNIT 3. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED BLUE TAPE AND GRAY DUCT TAPE USED AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON REFRIGERATOR MIDDLE DOOR HINGE ON UNIT 3 AND UNIT 4. INFORMED MANAGER THAT ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED GROUT UNDERNEATH REAR DRY STORAGE WIRE SHELVING UNIT, WITH LARGE GAPS AND CREVICES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL GAPS, CRACKS AND CREVICES, TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING, IN SAID AREA. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED FLOORS BEHIND GREASE TRAP AND FLOOR AND WALL JUNCTION UNDERNEATH ICE MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD, GREASE AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS IN LIGHT SHIELD LOCATED ABOVE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST BUILDUP ON VENT COVERS ABOVE TRUE FREEZER, UNIT 2, IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • OBSERVED STAFF COAT AND GLOVES STORED ON WIRE SHELVING UNIT IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL PERSONAL BELONGS MUST BE STORED IN DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE AREAS. MAINTAIN ALL TIMES.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED MOP STORED INSIDE MOP BUCKET WITH POOLED DIRTY WATER, NEXT TO MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE MOPS IN A MANNER THAT ALLOWS THE MOPS TO DRY AND PREVENT INSECT BREEDING. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  8. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • Found the following potentially hazardous foods at improper temperatures on rear prep table: 30lbs of vegetable barley soup @ 77.7F, and 40lbs of tomato soup @ 120.2F. Found 1lb of chicken @ 46.4F in the cooler under the front counter. Instructed must keep all potentially hazardous foods at 40f or less, or hot foods at 140f or higher at all times. Operator voluntarily discarded denatured foods during inspection. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • Found several coolers without thermometer in a conspicuous spot. Must put thermometers in all coolers and/or cold holding units, in a conspicuous spot. Must maintain same.
  9. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS IN THE ICE SCOOP HOLDER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  10. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • OBSERVED CHEESE AND CUT TOMATOES STORED IN CONTAINERS SUSPENDED OVER THE ICE WELL IN THE FRONT PREP LINE AT THE IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF 55 DEGREES AND 61 DEGREES, RESPECTIVELY. APPROXIMATELY 7 LBS/$60 WORTH OF CHEESE AND 2 LBS/$5 WORTH OF TOMATOES WERE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED. INSTRUCTED OPERATOR TO HOLD ALL COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT THE PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 40 DEGREES OR BELOW DURING PREPARATION, STORAGE AND SERVICE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-005(A)
    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED 4 LIVE ROACHES ON THE WALL UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY AND RECOMMENDED TO OBTAIN THE SERVICES OF A LICENSED PEST CONTROL OPERATOR. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-020
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (DELI MEAT SANDWICHES, SOUP) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGAER ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-012
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS IN THE ICE SCOOP HOLDER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  11. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS NOTED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 20LBS OF TOMATO SOUP PREVIOUSLY COOKED ON 3-19-15 IN THE REACH IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 49-50 DEGREES F. MUST MAINTAIN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW OR 140 DEGREES F AND ABOVE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE TOILET IN THE WOMENS WASHROOM.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED A LEAK UNDERNEATH THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND ALSO NOTED A BROKEN STOPPER AT THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT. MUST REPAIR.
  12. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • DELIVERY BICYCLE MUST NOT NOT BE STORED IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA OR ANY OTHER FOOD CONTACT AREA.
  13. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • DIRTY LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  14. License

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK HAS A SLOW DRAIN. MUST BRING UP TO CODE AND MAINTAIN.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website