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PILSEN YARDS

1159-1163 W 18TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60608 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

PILSEN YARDS has been inspected 17 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 19, 2018. The most recent inspection, on September 29, 2026, found no infractions.

7 of 17 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 0 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Protecting food from contamination and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

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

  • 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 7 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on September 18, 2025. For example: REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION

  • 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 September 18, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 September 18, 2025. 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on November 16, 2023. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 once on September 18, 2025. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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.

17 inspections

  1. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • UPON ARRIVAL, OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE. WHEN RETURNED ON SITE MANAGER PURCHASED A DUPLICATE OF CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED THE HANDWASHING SINKS IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA, EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM, AND BEHIND BARS MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 14. REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION
      • OBSERVED THAT FACILITY PREPARES AND SERVES SHELLFISH. SHELLFISH TAGS OBSERVED STORED WITHOUT PROPER DATING WHEN IS LAST ONE STORED OR PREPARED. MUST MAINTAIN RECORDS, PROPERLY MARKED TAGS AND STORED THEM FOR 90 DAYS FROM DATE LAST ONE FROM BOX PREPARED OR SOLD. ALSO, MUST CREATE A DATING SYSTEM FOR SHELLSTOCK TAGS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED BULK DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE REAR DISHWASHING MACHINE EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREA.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED THE ICE BIN AT THE OUTDOOR BAR NOT COVERED, WHILE UNATTENDED. INSTRUCTED TO COVER TO PREVENT POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • OBSERVED CLEAN SPOONS NOT INVERTED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.15 OBSERVED THE REVOLVING DOOR WITH A ONE INCH GAP ON EACH SIDE. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.
  5. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • 8-404.13(B:4) FOUND CONTINUED NON- COMPLIANCE FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2560764 CONDUCTED ON JULY 14, 2022. THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS WERE NOT CORRECTED 6-202.15 OBSERVED THE REVOLVING ENTRANCE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH A ONE INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID REVOLVING ENTRANCE DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY . PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090.
  8. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BEEF) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • FOUND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • FOUND CONTINUED NON- COMPLIANCE FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2560764 CONDUCTED ON JULY 14, 2022. THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS WERE NOT CORRECTED 6-202.15 OBSERVED THE REVOLVING ENTRANCE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH A ONE INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID REVOLVING ENTRANCE DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY . PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION
  9. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.15 OBSERVED THE REVOLVING ENTRANCE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH A ONE INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID REVOLVING ENTRANCE DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114 OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT (ICE CREAM MACHINE, VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE) NOT BEING USED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MACHINES (VACUUM PACKAGING) OR CLEAN (ICE CREAM MACHINE).
  10. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED A SLIGHT BROWNISH SUBSTANCE ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ICE SLOT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED AND NO DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (EGGS, BEEF ITEMS), AND NO FOOTNOTE LOCATED BY THE REMINDER ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW AND ADD A FOOTNOTE (THESE ITEMS ARE COOKED/MADE TO ORDER) NEXT TO THE REMINDER ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA; OBSERVED ABOUT 50 LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING IN THE REAR BY THE BOXES OF PRODUCE THAT ARE LOCATED ON THE REAR SHELVES OUTSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLERS. OBSERVED ABOUT 5 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE MIRROR IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.15 OBSERVED THE REVOLVING ENTRANCE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH A ONE INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID REVOLVING ENTRANCE DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114 OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT (ICE CREAM MACHINE, VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE) NOT BEING USED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MACHINES (VACUUM PACKAGING) OR CLEAN (ICE CREAM MACHINE).
  11. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  12. Canvass

    0 infractions

  13. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. . INSTRUCTED TO POST ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-010
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(c)
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • NO SUMMARY POSTED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO POST SUMMARY REPORT VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(b)
  14. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED A BIOHAZADROUS KIT ON PREMISES, BUT THE KIT HAS NODISINFECTION RATED FOR NOROVIRUS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NO BARRIER IN THE BACK ENTRANCE THAT LEADS TO THE DISHWASHING AREA/NEXT TO WASHROOMS, NEEDS A DOOR. ALSO BASED ON THE DESIGN OF THE KITCHEN /DINING AREA THE KITCHEN HAS TO BE FULLY ENCLOSED, (NEED TO INSTALL (SWINGING)DOORS. IN THE MEANTIME YOU NEED TO POST SIGN/NOTICE IN BACK AND FRONT SEATING AUTHORIZED PERSONAL ONLY. ALSO OBSERVED NO DIPPERWELL IN RESR PREP AREA WHERE THEY SERVE HAND SCOOPED ICECREAM, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL WITH COLD RUNNING WATER, AND CONNECTED TO PROPER DRAIN.
  15. Complaint

    0 infractions

  16. License Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Front door near patio must install (swinging) doors to make the kitchen (fully) enclosed. The back area (entrance that leads to the dishwashing area / next to washrooms) also needs a door.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • VIOLATION CORRECTED
  17. License

    2 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • PREMISES MUST PROVIDE A PHYSICAL BARRIER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION FROM PUBLIC OCCURING DUE TO PREPARATION AREA BEING ADJACENT TO THE CUSTOMER AREA. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A). NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN/SANITIZE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF 2-DR REFRGERATION UNINTS IN PREP AREA OF DEBRIS.

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