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MUNCHIES

3900 W MADISON ST, CHICAGO, IL 60624 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

MUNCHIES has been inspected 4 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 27, 2024. The most recent inspection, on February 25, 2026, recorded 11 infractions.

None of the 4 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 29 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Cleaning and sanitizing and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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.

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 17, 2026. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 7 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on February 25, 2026. For example: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on February 25, 2026. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 February 17, 2026. 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 December 27, 2024. 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.

4 inspections

  1. Complaint Re-Inspection

    11 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-302.12 OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • 4-901.12 OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • 4-903.11(A;C) OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED AND STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT AND ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-202.16 OBSERVED POP CRATES USES AS SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-602.13 OBSERVED ALL HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT (FRYERS, GRILL), ROLLING CARTS, PREP TABLES, STORAGE BINS, WIRED RACKS, ALL COOLING UNITS IN FRONT PREP WITH ACUMMULATED DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, GREASE BUILDUP AND SAUCE SPLATTER ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL SAID EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 OBSERVED POOLED WATER/CHICKEN SPILLS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, ACCUMULATED GREASE UNDER FRYERS, FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON WALLS AND FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS, FLOORS, AND CEILINGS IN ALL AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.16 OBSERVED SOILED WATER IN MOP PAILS AND MOP HEAD IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL SOILED WATER AND HANG MOP HEAD TO DRY TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.11 OBSERVED STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS, MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 4-204.11 OBSERVED GREASE BUILUDP INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • 8-404.13(B:4) PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2610573 ON 1-15-25:57-MUST PROVIDES FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
  2. Complaint

    18 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINKS NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR HANDWASHING, WATER TURNED OFF AND CONDIMENT CONTAINER STORED INSIDE HANDWASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA, KNIFE AND MULTI-USE CONTAINER STORED INSIDE HANDWASHING SINK IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM HANDWASHING SINKS FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN PREP AND DISHWASHING AREAS. INSTRUCT4D MANAGER TO PROVIDE SOAP AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATON 7-38-030(C)SEE PREVIOUS VIOLATION FOR CITATION
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN PREP, DISHWASHING AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS FOR PROPER HAND DRYING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) SEE PREVIOUS VIOLATION FOR CITATION
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT WATER (61.1F) AT HANDWASHING SINK INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HOT WATER AT HANDWASHING SINK FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS IN CORNERS NEAR RECYCLING UNIT, WATER HEATER, SHELVING UNITS, GREASE TRAP, ETC ON TOP OF BOXES IN REAR STORAGE AREA. OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED AND STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT AND ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS ON PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED POP CRATES USES AS SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ALL HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT (FRYERS, GRILL), ROLLING CARTS, PREP TABLES, STORAGE BINS, WIRED RACKS, ALL COOLING UNITS IN FRONT PREP WITH ACUMMULATED DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, GREASE BUILDUP AND SAUCE SPLATTER ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL SAID EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER FRONT HANDWASHING SINK AND CLOGGED FLOOR DRAIN INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED POOLED WATER/CHICKEN SPILLS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, ACCUMULATED GREASE UNDER FRYERS, FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON WALLS AND FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS, FLOORS, AND CEILINGS IN ALL AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SOILED WATER IN MOP PAILS AND MOP HEAD IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL SOILED WATER AND HANG MOP HEAD TO DRY TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS, MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILUDP INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2610573 ON 1-15-25:57-MUST PROVIDES FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    8 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE WHILE PREPARING FISH, CHICKEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CERTIFICATE HOLDER WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-601.11 OBSERVED ALL BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS CONTAINING FLOUR, SEASONIGS, ETC.. WITHOUT LABELS INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • 2-402.11 ALL FOOD HANDLER INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE HANDLING FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-602.13 OBSERVED ALL HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT (FRYERS, GRILL), ROLLING CARTS, PREP TABLES, STORAGE BINS, WIRED RACKS, ALL COOLING UNITS IN FRONT PREP WITH ACUMMULATED DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, GREASE BUILDUP AND SAUCE SPLATTER ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL SAID EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPING ENTERING INSIDE GREASE TRAP COVERED WITH GROCERY BAG AND WRAPPED FOIL/TAPE FOR LEAK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PIPING AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 6-501.18 OBSERVED PLUMBING FIXTURES IN THE TOILET ROOM IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 OBSERVED POOLED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER FRYERS, TRASH UNDER WIRED STORAGE RACKS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY, AND POOLED WATER/CHICKEN BLOOD ON THE FLOOR INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD LINING FLOORS, REMOVE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE FLOOR. MUST MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 MUST PROVIDES FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS
  4. Canvass

    13 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN FRONT PREP , REAR PREP/DISHWASHING HANDSINK AS WELL AS WASHBOWL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO PAPERTOWELS AVAILABLE AT 2 HANDSINKS ON PREMISE OR WASHBOWL DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. PLEASE SEE ABOVE VIOLATION FOR CITATION INFORMATION.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 150 LBS COOKED CHICKEN STORED INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMEPERATURES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED TERMPERTAURE OF CHICKN PARTS RANGING BETWEEN 50-100F. INSTRCTED TO HOLD ALL COLD CHICKEN AT 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. ALL SAID CHICKEN DISCARDED VOLUNTARILY BY PIC AT THIS TIME.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE FOR TESTING INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED ALL BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS CONTAINING FLOUR, SEASONIGS, ETC.. WITHOUT LABELS INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATLEY 100 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES FLYING THROUGHOUT REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA, ON CARBOARD BOXES STORED ON SHELVING UNITS, PREP TABLES, ON WIRED RACKS AND NEAR FLOOR DRAIN CONNECTED TO GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR ADDIDIONAL SERVICE. NOTRED APROXIMATELY 40 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK ALONG SIDE OF GREASE TRAP AND SCATTERED ON FLOOR UNDER WIRED STORAGE RACK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPING CLEAN AND SANITIZE. MUST ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • ALL FOOD HANDLER INSTURCTED TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE HANDLING FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE FOR PROPER SANITIZING AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ALL HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT (FRYERS, GRILL), ROLLING CARTS, PREP TABLES, STORAGE BINS, WIRED RACKS, ALL COOLING UNITS IN FRONT PREP WITH ACUMMULATED DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, GREASE BUILDUP AND SAUCE SPLATTER ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL SAID EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPING ENTERING INSIDE GREASE TRAP COVERED WITH GROCERY BAG AND WRAPPED FOIL/TAPE FOR LEAK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PIPING AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED PLUMBING FIXTURES IN THE TOILET ROOM IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED POOLED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER FRYERS, TRASH UNDER WIRED STORAGE RACKS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY, AND POOLED WATER/CHICKEN BLOOD ON THE FLOOR INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD LINING FLOORS, REMOVE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE FLOOR. MUST MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

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