Skip to content
Loading map…

J. L. LOUNGE

3402 N CICERO AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60641 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

J. L. LOUNGE has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 18, 2020. The most recent inspection, on May 20, 2024, recorded 2 infractions.

2 of 6 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: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Pests 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 6 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 30, 2024. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 May 20, 2024. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 30, 2024. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • 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 across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 1, 2020. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 17 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on May 20, 2024. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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.

6 inspections

  1. Complaint Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.15 OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR NOT COMPLETELY RODENT PROOFED AS REQUIRED. MUST COMPLETELY RODENT PROOF DOOR BY SEALING 1/4 GAP ON THE SIDE OF THE DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.11 OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL BEHIND IN MENS TOILET ROOM.---ALSO OBSERVED DAMAGED AND MISSING CEILING PANELS IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS AND IN REAR MECHANICAL ROOM.---OBSERVED MISSING LID FOR TOILET TANK IN THE MENS TOILET ROOM.---OBSERVED DAMAGED MISSING FLOOR TILES ON FLOOR BEHIND FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR HOLE IN WALL IN MENS TOILET ROOM, DAMAGED AND MISSING CEILING PANELS, DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AND PROVIDE LID FOR TOILET TANK AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Complaint

    10 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE AND NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND/OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO MAINTAIN A KIT WITH ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK WITH AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF EXTERMINATION LOGS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(c). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED PEST ACTIVITY WITH APPROXIMATELY 60 SMALL FLIES NOTED DURING INSPECTION. SMALL FLY ACTIVITY WAS NOTED ON WALL ACROSS FROM WALK-IN COOLER, ON WALLS IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS, AND IN THE FRONT BAR AREA.----ALSO OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 2O RAT DROPPINGS IN THE FRONT BAR AND REAR STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS AND SMALL FLY ACTIVITY, CLEAN SURFACES, AND MAINTAIN PREMISES FREE OF PEST. RECOMMENDED RECEIVE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A).
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR NOT COMPLETELY RODENT PROOFED AS REQUIRED. MUST COMPLETELY RODENT PROOF DOOR BY SEALING 1/4 GAP ON THE SIDE OF THE DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL SANITIZING TEST STRIPS FOR THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND THE FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE THE APPROPRIATE CHEMICAL SANITIZING TEST STRIPS FOR THE CHEMICAL SANITIZER THAT WILL BE USED FOR THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK WATER TEMPERATURE RANGING FROM 84F - 93F LOCATED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: MEN AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AND AT HANDWASHING SINK AT FRONT BAR. ---ALSO NOTED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WATER TEMPERATURE AT 83F. INFORMED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THEY MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN A WATER TEMPERATURE OF 110F AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. HOT WATER GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS SHALL BE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE PEAK HOT WATER DEMANDS THROUGHOUT THE RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. HOT WATER WAS RESTORED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INSPECTION TO MINIMUM 100F AT HANDSINKS AND 110F AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A SERVICE/UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF DIRTY MOP WATER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • OBSERVED WASTEWATER BACKUP AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND FRONT BAR. WATER FROM ONE COMPARTMENT WAS IMPROPERLY DISPOSED TO ANOTHER COMPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR WASTEWATER LINE. BACKUP WAS CORRECTED BY FACILITY DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL BEHIND IN MENS TOILET ROOM.---ALSO OBSERVED DAMAGED AND MISSING CEILING PANELS IN BOTH TOITLET ROOMS AND IN REAR MECHANICAL ROOM.---OBSERVED MISSING LID FOR TOILET TANK IN THE MENS TOILET ROOM.---OBSERVED DAMAGD MISSING FLOOR TILES ON FLOOR BEHIND FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR HOLE IN WALL IN MENS TOILET ROOM, DAMAGED AND MISSING CEILING PANELS, DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AND PROVIDE LID FOR TOILET TANK AND MAINTAIN.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 10/1/2020 INSPECTION, REPORT #2401922 NOT CORRECTED: #10-INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (BAR AREA, WASHROOMS). #36-INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS. #47-INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT OR REPLACE METAL RACKS WITH RUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE LIQUOR REACH-IN COOLER BEHIND BAR.#48- INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DRAIN STOPPERS FOR (2) 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND BAR. #53-TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLES MUST BE COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER/LID.#55-INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT ESPECIALLY ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS. #55-INSTRUCTED TO REORGANIZE STORAGE ROOM. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. #55-INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENING BETWEEN WALL AND FLOOR IN/AROUND BAR AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  4. License Re-Inspection

    14 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN REQUIRED PROCEDURE/PLAN AND APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER/SPRAY THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (BAR AREA, WASHROOMS).
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT OR REPLACE METAL RACKS WITH RUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE LIQUOR REACH-IN COOLER BEHIND BAR.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE RUBBER GASKET AROUND LIQUOR REACH-IN COOLER DOOR BEHIND BAR
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DRAIN STOPPERS FOR (2) 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND BAR.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED BEHIND ICE MACHINE AND MOPSINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL GREASE BOX OR GREASE INTERCEPTOR CONNECTED UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND BAR.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLES MUST BE COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER/LID.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT ESPECIALLY ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO REORGANIZE STORAGE ROOM. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENING BETWEEN WALL AND FLOOR IN/AROUND BAR AREA.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
  5. License

    18 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN REQUIRED PROCEDURE/PLAN AND APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER/SPRAY THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND SOAP AND HAND DRYING DEVICE OR PAPERTOWEL AVAILABLE AT ALL HANDSINKS (BAR AREA, WASHROOMS). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (BAR AREA, WASHROOMS).
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • FOUND INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH VISIBLE MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCES (PINK AND BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE) SEVERE BUILD-UP LIKELY TO CONTAMINATE THE ICE WHICH TO BE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO EMPTY ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN (WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE) AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND NO LICENSED PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK AVAILABLE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH A COMPLETE CONTENTS ( CONTRACT/SERVICE AGREEMENT, SERVICE REPORT, CHEMICALS USED ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C) NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT OR REPLACE METAL RACKS WITH RUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE LIQUOR REACH-IN COOLER BEHIND BAR.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE RUBBER GASKET AROUND LIQUOR REACH-IN COOLER DOOR BEHIND BAR.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DRAIN STOPPERS FOR (2) 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND BAR.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED BEHIND ICE MACHINE AND MOPSINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL GREASE BOX OR GREASE INTERCEPTOR CONNECTED UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND BAR.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLES MUST BE COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER/LID.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT ESPECIALLY ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO REORGANIZE STORAGE ROOM. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENING BETWEEN WALL AND FLOOR IN/AROUND BAR AREA.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
  6. License

    0 infractions

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website