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ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE

616 W DIVERSEY PKWY, CHICAGO, IL 60614 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 17, 2017. The most recent inspection, on June 24, 2025, recorded 2 infractions.

1 of 12 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, Protecting food from contamination and Food temperature control.

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 9 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on July 8, 2024. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 16, 2021. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 8, 2022. 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 April 3, 2020. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 24, 2025. 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.

12 inspections

  1. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED MINERAL BUILD UP INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED 2-3 CRACKED FLOOR TILES BY FLOOR DRAIN NEAR DISH MACHINE. MUST REPAIR.
  2. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE CUSTOMER'S WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEES PREPARING AND SERVING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOO IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP INSIDE LIGHT SHILEDS COVERS ABOVE PREP TABLES IN FRONT PREP AREA AND ABOVE FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WET MOPS IN THE UTILITY SINK. HANG MOPS TO DRY AFTER USE TO DETER INSECT BREEDING GROUNDS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • STORE ALL CLEANING SUPPLIES, INCLUDING MOP BUCKETS AND RACKS FOR RUGS, IN THE SERVICE AREA AWAY FROM FOOD-RELATED ITEMS.
  4. Complaint

    9 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • NOTED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASH SINK BY THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING MACHINES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE SERVICE COOLERS TO BE IMPROPER:-SAUSAGE 48.6F, CHICKEN SAUSAGE 46.6F, CHEESE 50.7F, SLICED TOMATOES 44.1F. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • NOTED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE SERVICE COOLER UNIT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE GAUGE NOT MAINTAINING FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 180F PER CODE; HOWEVER, THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE STRIP READING WAS 180F. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, MONITOR, AND MAINTAIN THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE OF THE FINAL RINSE.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL BUSINESSES MUST POST SIGNAGE REQUIRING ALL CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES TO PROPERLY WEAR MASK
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • THE ESTABLISHMENT MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF EMPLOYEE VACCINATION OR PROOF OF WEEKLY TESTING PER CITY ORDER.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • ALL ESTABLISHMENT MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN POLICY/PROCEDURE FOR CHECKING VACCINATION STATUS OF CUSTOMERS.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • ALL ESTABLISHMENT MUST PHYSICALLY AND VISUALLY VERIFY PROOF OF VACCINATION UPON ENTERING THE RESTAURANT TO DINE IN (DINE IN ONLY - 10 MINUTES)
  5. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 28. TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
      • OBSERVED UNIDENTIFIABLE LIQUID IN SPRAY BOTTLE AND UNIDENTIFIABLE WHITE POWDER IN CONTAINER BEING USED. OBSERVED NO LABEL TO IDENTIFY SUBSTANCE. MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABEL FOR ALL CHEMICALS USED IN FACILITY. DISCARDED POWDER AND LIQUID. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-015
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NON HANDLED SCOOPS WITHIN FOOD PRODUCT. MUST HAVE HANDLED SCOOPS AND DO NOT STORE SCOOPS WITHIN FOOD PRODUCT.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS NEED TO SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  6. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND PROCEDURE/PLAN ON SITE HOWEVER KIT NOT COMPLETE MISSING SOLUTION TO CONTROL NOROVIRUS FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, ALSO MISSING MOP,ETC INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • HANDWASHING SINK BETWEEN DISHROOM AND REAR PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE TO HAND WASHING, A LONG MOBILE CART FULL WITH FLOOR RUBBER MATS AT SIDE OF HANDWASHING SINK BLOCKING THE PASSAGE FROM DISHROOM AND HANDWASHING SINK, IN FRONT OF SAID SINK TWO YELLOW MOP BUCKETS. UPON MY REQUEST MANAGER ON DUTY REMOVED MENTIONED ITEMS, SAID SINK IS ACCESSIBLE FOR HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-030
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • PINK SUBSTANCE AT INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE BIN FRONT WHITE PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN UNIT.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • FOUND TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: 2.5 LBS OF COOKED CUT BREAKFAST SAUSAGE STORED INSIDE THE PREP COOLER AT TEMP OF 50.1F TO 61.9F. ALSO FOUND 26 EACH FRESH EGGS STORED INSIDE THE PREP COOLER AT TRAYLINE AT TEMP OF 52.2F TO 53F. COLD TCS MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 41F AND BELOW. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED 5 POUNDS. VALUE 15 . PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING THE PREPARATION AND CONSUME BY/DISCARD DATE (MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS TOTAL) OF ALL REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005.
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • MUST INDICATE ON MENU "COOK TO ORDER" PHRASE FOR EGGS,STEAKS, ETC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005,
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FAUCET NECK AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IS LEAKING. REPAIR CAUSE
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • INSIDE AREA WASTE OIL CONTAINER WITH EXCESS SOLID WASTE OIL ON TOP THE UNIT AND CEMENT FLOOR,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
  7. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 9. NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER HANDLE/REMOVE TOASTED BREAD, COOKED READY TO EAT FOOD, FROM COMMERCIAL TOASTER WITH BARE HAND CONTACT, AT EXPO LINE AREA IN KITCHEN. ALSO OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER AT COOK LINE AREA TOUCH/ARRANGE COOKED PANCAKES WITH BARE HAND CONTACT, INSIDE STYROFOAM TOGO CONTAINER. INFORMED MANAGER THAT BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS IS NOT ALLOWED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO USE BARRIERS SUCH AS TONGS AND OR SINGLE USE GLOVES TO PREVENT BARE HAND CONTACT. VIOLATION CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION # 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED READY TO EAT/TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS, PREPARED ON SITE, STORED IN COLD HOLDING UNITS WITHOUT LEGIBLE DATE MARKING TAGS, GRAVY, ETC. STORED IN ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS, OVER NIGHT, WITHOUT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INFORMED MANAGER THAT TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS STORED FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST HAVE PROPER LABEL AND DATE. INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24HOURS. MANAGER CORRECTED VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE/REMINDER INDICATED ON MENU OF RAW/UNDER COOKED FOODS, FOR CUSTOMER VIEW. INFORMED MANAGER THAT THE DISCLOSURE/REMINDER STATEMENT AND INDICATOR MUST BE IN PLAIN VIEW OF THE CUSTOMER, INDICATED ON MENU OF RAW/UNDER COOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY SIGNAGE, DISCLOSURE/REMINDER INDICATED. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION # 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • UNABLE TO IDENTIFY/OBSERVED GREASE TRAP OR CATCH BASIN INSTALLED/LOCATED AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA OR ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO IDENTIFY OR INSTALL GREASE TRAP IN SAID AREA AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  8. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • OBSERVED A FEW READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS NOT PROPERLY LABELED INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROPERLY LABEL ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME, PREPARED BY DATE AND/OR USED BY DATE.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED DUST AND GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT ON THE INTERIOR PANELS OF ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE EMPLOYEES WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED EXPOSED SINK LOCATED NEXT TO MOP SINK DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPING AND HANDLING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS PREPARED AND SERVED.
  9. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • MUST INVERT UTENSILS AT COFFEE/WATER BUS STATION TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST DISCONTINUE USING MILK CRATES AS STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER AND IN PREP AREA.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES IN PREP COOLERS, LOWER SHELVES ON PREP TABLES, AND SLICER.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOORS IN PREP AREA, DRY STORAGE, STAFF TOILET ROOM AND BREAKROOM, AND IN WALK IN COOLER.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST CLEAN UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE HANGING FROM FILTERS ABOVE THE GRILL IN THE PREP AREA.
    • 39. LINEN: CLEAN AND SOILED PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST STORE LINENS/RAGS IN SANITIZER WATER WHILE NOT IN USE.
  10. License Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, DUST AND DEBRIS PRESENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
  11. License

    4 infractions

    • 12. HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
      • MUST DESIGNATE EXISTING DUMP SINK IN PREP AREA, AS EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA, WITH SPLASH GUARDS, SOAP AND DRYING DEVICE AND/OR PAPER TOWELS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • OBSERVED 6' WIDE OPEN ENTRANCE FROM DINING AREA TO PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT BY PROVIDING DOORS, OR A BARRIER, TO PREVENT PUBLIC ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST PROVIDE PROTECTIVE, WASHABLE BARRIER ON SIDE OF STORAGE RACK ADJACENT TO THE MOP SINK TO PROTECT POT/PANS, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST DETAIL FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, DUST AND DEBRIS PRESENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
  12. License

    0 infractions

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