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IHOP

7549 S CICERO AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60652 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

IHOP has been inspected 14 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since June 8, 2018. The most recent inspection, on June 12, 2026, recorded 4 infractions.

3 of 14 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 8 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Protecting food from contamination and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

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.

  • 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 9 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on June 12, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on March 1, 2022. For example: FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 15, 2024. 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 8, 2020. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 2 times on April 17, 2023. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

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. Short Form Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 4-602.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED THE SHELVING UNDER GRILLS AND PREP TABLES ON HOT LINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • Violation Codes: 5-205.15 Inspector Comments: OBSERVER THE REAR HAND SINK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH A SLOW DRAIN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-501.12 Inspector Comments: FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE: UNDER/BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, FLOORS IN THE DISH WASHING AREA ALONG THE WALL AND IN CORNERS AND IN THE WALK IN COOLER IN CORNERS
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED THE PIC HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW
  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE SHELVING UNDER GRILLS AND PREP TABLES ON HOT LINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVER THE REAR HAND SINK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH A SLOW DRAIN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE: UNDER/BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, FLOORS IN THE DISH WASHING AREA ALONG THE WALL AND IN CORNERS AND IN THE WALK IN COOLER IN CORNERS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED THE PIC HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
  4. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE DISPENSING NOZZLES ON THE ORANGE JUICE MACHINE WITH A BUILD UP OF SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A HEAVY BUILD UP OF GREASE ON THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE MAIN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DUST AND FOOD DEBRIS... ON THE FLOOR IN THE DISH WASHING AREA...THE FLOOR IN THE MAIN FOOD PREP AREA UNDER THE EQUIPMENT AND BEHIND ALONG THE WALLS...THE COFFEE STATION AREA UNDER THE COUNTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AREAS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
  5. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PIC WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTD TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS (SAUSAGE, EGGS) INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • HANDWASHING SINK IN MAIN PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE, BLOCKED BY WAFFLE COOKING EQUUIPMENT AND PREP TABLE. INSTD TO HAVE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. SAID EQUIPMENT AND TABLE MOVED DURING INSPECTION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FAUCET HANDLES OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISREPAIR, 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WATER CONSTANTLY RUNNING UNLESS SHUT OFF FROM VALVES UNDERNEATH, UNABLE TO TURN OFF FROM FAUCET HANDLES. INSTD TO REPAIR FAUCET SO ABLE TO BE FULLY FUNCTIONAL (ABLE TO TURN WATER OFF)/
  6. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSEVRED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF CHLORINE SANITIZER AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DISCONTINUE USE UNTIL SANITIZER REACHES A MINIMUM OF 50 PPM. UNIT TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-025.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED VARIOUS TCS FOODS LOCATED INSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER TO BE IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES. 10LBS OF COOKED POT ROAST AT 49.6F, 3LBS OF DAIRY CREAMER AT 49F, 3LBS OF IHOP SAUCE AT 49F, 12LBS OF STEAK AT 48.0F, 13LBS OF RAW CHICKEN AT 47.1, 2LBS OF LEAFY SPINACH AT 50.1, 32LBS OF MILK AT 47.8, 5LBS OF SLICED HAM AT 49.0F, 3LBS OF MAC & CHEESE AT 50.2F, AND 120LBS OF LIQUID EGGS AT 50.1F. PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARED AND DENATURED ALL SAID ITEMS TOTAL WEIGHT 203LBS AND COST $850. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO HOLD ALL COLD TCS FOODS AT 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF WALK-IN COOLER TO BE 53F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION SAID COOLER HOLD TCS FOODS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT 41F OR LESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ALL HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT AND PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH GREASE AND DRY FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT IN A CLEAN CONDITION.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED ONE OF TWO WASH BOWL SENSORS IN THE WOMENS BATHROOM TO NOT BE WORKING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED GREASE RECEPTACLE BIN TO BE IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GREASE RECEPTACLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FANS IN THE WALK IN COOLER WITH EXCESSIVE DUST AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Short Form Complaint

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PIC WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTD TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS (SAUSAGE, EGGS) NOR VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED OR ON SITE.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HANDWASH SINK IN MAIN PREP AREA WITHOUT ANY HAND DRYING PROVISION(PAPER TOWELS)STOCKED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C). INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES
    • 15. FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED
      • OBSERVED HAM BEING THAWED IN RIGHT BASIN OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITH MIDDLE BASIN OF SINK FILLED WITH SOILED WATER AND EQUIPMENT, AND SOILED WATER OVERFLOWING ONTO HAM. FOOD SHALL ONLY CONTACT SURFACES OF CLEAN AND SANITIZED EQUIPMENT. 3-COMPARTMENT SINK SHALL NOT BE USED FOR CLEANING AND SANITIZING UTENSILS WHEN USING AS A PREP SINK. ALL SLICED HAM WAS DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROXIMATELY 20# $20 PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED MULTIPLE REFRIGERATED READY TO EAT TCS FOODS ( COOKED CHICKEN, GRAVY, SAUSAGE ,BACON, LEAFY GREENS) IN WALK IN COOLER WITHOUT ANY DATE MARKING. PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED ITEMS. APPROX 20LBS, $100 VALUE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005. REFRIGERATED, READY TO EAT TCS FOOD PREPARED AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED TO INDICATE THE DAY OR DATE BY WHICH FOOD SHALL BE SOLD OR DISCARDED FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS, WITH PREPARATION DAY COUNTED AS DAY 1.
    • 28. TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEE CELL PHONE STORED WITH COOKING UTENSILS IN AIR DRYING CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SEPERATION BETWEEN PERSONAL ITEMS AND COOKING UTENSILS.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVIDE OBTAIN VERIFICATION AND MAINTAIN ON SITE
  9. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL CONTAINER LIDS CRACKED AND BROKEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD ORDER.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GRILLS AND PREP TABLES ON HOT LINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • THE DISH MACHINE PREP LINE IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA AND DISH WASHING AREA. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  10. Complaint Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED MENU ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR ALL EGGS,BEEF, MENU ITEMS THAT ARE UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED REAR ENTRY DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF AT BOTTOM AREAS. MUST REPAIR DOOR TO BE TIGHT-FITTING
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • COLD WATER FAUCET HANDLE IN POOR REPAIR AT 1-COMP SINK AT DISH MACHINE. MUST REPAIR.
  11. Canvass

    0 infractions

  12. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED MENU ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR ALL EGGS,BEEF, MENU ITEMS THAT ARE UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED REAR ENTRY DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF AT BOTTOM AREAS. MUST REPAIR DOOR TO BE TIGHT-FITTING.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • COLD WATER FAUCET HANDLE IN POOR REPAIR AT 1-COMP SINK AT DISH MACHINE. MUST REPAIR.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OUTSIDE WASTE GREASE WASTE CONTAINER NOT MAINTAINED. OBSERVED EXTERIOR TOP LID ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE AND GREASE ON GROUND AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION ISSUED.
  13. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-010
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY, ALONG WITH THE NECESSARY CLEAN-UP KIT ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED MENU ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR ALL ANIMAL BASED MENU ITEMS THAT ARE UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED AN APPROX. 1/4 INCH GAP IN THE REAR BACK DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE DEPOSITS AND FOOD RESIDUE UNDERNEATH THE DEEP FRYERS, FLAT TOP GRILL AND OTHER EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM THE CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL MANAGERS WITH A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  14. License

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN HOT HOLDING UNIT, AND MICROWAVE INTERIOR, EXTERIOR OF 2, AND 4 DOOR COOLERS, AND WAFFLE MAKER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED THE WALK-IN FREEZER FLOOR WITH ICE BUILD UP,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE. ALSO REMOVE STANDING WATER IN THE FRONT WAIT STATION, AND REMOVE GREASE FROM FLOOR UNDER FRYERS.

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