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PROTEIN BAR

221 W WASHINGTON ST, CHICAGO, IL 60606 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

PROTEIN BAR has been inspected 21 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 22, 2011. The most recent inspection, on May 4, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

4 of 21 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 1 infraction recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Pests 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.

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 5, 2023. For example: APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

  • 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 August 5, 2014. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 once on August 2, 2019. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

    Recorded 21 times across 14 separate inspections, most recently on May 4, 2026. For example: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on November 1, 2021. For example: PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

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.

21 inspections

  1. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED DOOR OF ICE MACHINE IN POOR REPAIR, HINGE LOOSE AND UNABLE TO FULLY CLOSE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE REAR AREA ICE MACHINE DOOR AND MAINTAIN ALL EQUIPMENT IN GOOD REPAIR AND PROPER ADJUSTMENT.
  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • Scoops stored in stagnate water at room temps, instructed to keep under cold running water or clean empty container.
  4. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 35. APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING THAWING REQUIREMENTS. FOOD HANDLER THAWING FROZEN YOGURT BASE IN A CONTAINER OF STAGNANT WATER LOCATED IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INFORMED FOOD HANDLER OF PROPER THAWING METHODS (MUST UTILIZE RUNNING WATER WITH ENOUGH VOLATILITY WHEN THAWING). MUST MEET PROPER THAWING REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTENANCE.
  5. Canvass

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • SLOW DRAINAGE AT PREP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED BROKEN LID INSIDE OF THE REAR PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED THE FAUCET OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO HAVE A LEAK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS ON THE CEILING ABOVE THE FRONT HAND SINK AND IN THE REAR NEAR THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
  9. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 5-203.11 OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING HAND SINK REQUIREMENTS; MISSING HAND SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA (PROTEIN SHAKES STATION & PROTEIN B EXPO SIDE) OF FACILITY. FACILITY ONLY HAS ONE COMPARTMENT HAND SINK IN AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND INSTALL HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE IN FRONT PREP AREA NEAR (PROTEIN SHAKE STATION & PROTEIN B EXPO). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS; FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES WITHOUT REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST MEET REQUIREMENTS.
  10. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED UPPER CEILINGS AND LIGHT SHIELDS DUSTY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • LEAKY FAUCET AT 4- COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
  11. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Found dust build up on vent in ceiling in prep area. Found debris inside light shield inside prep area. Must remove and detail clean. Must maintain same.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • Found boxes stored directly on floor in rear of kitchen. Must elevate all items at least 6 inches above the floor to allow proper cleaning. Must maintain same.
  12. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INSIDE UPPER PANEL OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CEILINGS IN PREP AREA BEHIND COUNTER ,DUSTY,AND WALLS IN DISH WASHING ROOM AREA NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
  13. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED DUSTY CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS IN FRONT PREP AREA.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.ALSO 1 - CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN SAME AREA.MUST REPLACE.
  14. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD, ATTACHED TO DRINK PREP TABLE, WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST DEBRIS ON THE VENTS LOCATED ON THE CEILING ABOVE THE FOOD PREP AREA AND DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  15. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN CEILING PANELS IN PREP AREA OF FOOD SPILLS, AND AT REAR WHERE NECESSARY OF DUST BUILD-UP.
  16. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • NOTED SEVERAL SMALL FLYIG INSECTS AT FRONT PREP AREA ON BOXES, FRUIT,WALL AND AT REAR ON WALL. RECOMMEND CONTACTING PEST CONTROL SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER ALONG WALL UNDER STORAGE RACKS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN CEILING PANELS IN PREP AREA OF FOOD SPILLS, AND AT REAR WHERE NECESSARY OF DUST BUILD-UP.
  17. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED DARK GROVES INTO THE SMALL CUTTING BOARD AT THE FRUIT STATION. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZER AND PREP COOLERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE PREP AREA AROUND EQUIPMENT, ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
  18. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST REPAIR LOOSE GASKET AT 2DR REFRIGERATOR AT THE FRONT PREP AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST REPALCE CAULKING AT THE REAR PREP SINK WHERE THE WALL MEETS WITH THE SINK. MUST REMOVE DEBRIS AND DEAD INSECTS FROM INTERIOR OF LIGHTSHIELDS AT CEILING IN THE REAR PREP AREA.
  19. Suspected Food Poisoning

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE PREP AREA CABINETS AND INSIDE PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL UNCLEAN EQUIPMENT.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION COVER ABOVE PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COVER.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. METAL STEM THERMOMETER NOT CALIBRATED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALIBRATE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
  20. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  21. License

    3 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. MOST COOLERS NOT TURNED ON AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE ALL COOLERS ON WITH AMBIENT AIR TEMPEATURE AT 40 FOR BELOW.
    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food- transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON/FOR PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK FROM A LICENSE STATE OF ILLINOIS PEST CONROL OPERATOR ON PREMISES.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF ALL UNCLEAN EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT.

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