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RAFA'S CHICKEN

4410 W 63RD ST, CHICAGO, IL 60629 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

RAFA'S CHICKEN has been inspected 16 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 28, 2015. The most recent inspection, on September 23, 2026, recorded 4 infractions.

None of the 16 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 5 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food temperature control and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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.

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on September 23, 2026. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 January 24, 2022. For example: PROPER HOT 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 15, 2023. 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 January 24, 2022. 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 once on January 24, 2022. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES 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.

16 inspections

  1. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HANDSINK IN RESTROOM AT IMPROPER HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 81.1F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESTORE HOT WATER TO MINIMUM OF 100F AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.HOT WATER RESTORED DURING INSPECTION BY OWNER.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FRONT COUNTER EMPLOYEE WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT PROVIDING UTENSILS AND PLATES TO CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED TO UTILIZE HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES WHEN HANDLING FOOD, UTENSILS, OR PLATTERS/PLATES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THREE DOOR COOLER WITH TORN GASKET. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP OF FILTERS IN HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CARDBOARD ON SHELVING IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE TO MAINTAIN SURFACE OF SHELVES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
  3. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • LARGE GARBAGE CANS BEING USED TO STORE RAW CHICKEN IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO REMOVE AND USE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • VENT AND SURROUNDING CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME
  4. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT HANDWASH SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • SMALL CUPS BEING USED AS DISPENSING UTENSILS AND BEING STORED IN SPICES. INSTD TO USE PROPER DISPENSING UTENSILS AND STORE PROPERLY
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • RUSTY SURFACE ON BOTTOM SHELF OF PREP TABLE. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGERS. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME. INSTD TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • LARGE GARBAGE CANS BEING USED TO STORE RAW CHICKEN. INSTD TO REMOVE AND USE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
  6. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME. INSTD TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • LARGE GARBAGE CANS BEING USED TO STORE RAW CHICKEN. INSTD TO REMOVE AND USE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IMPROPERLY DRAINING, WASTE WATER WITH FOOD DEBRIS IMMEDIATELY BACKING UP FROM DRAIN ONTO FLOOR WHEN WATER BEING DRAINED (ONE BASIN AT TIME). INSTD TO REPAIR SINK TO DRAIN PROPERLY WITHOUT WASTE WATER BACKING UP AND ACCUMULATING ONTO FLOOR. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C) PRIORITY
  7. Canvass

    13 infractions

    • 21. PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS APPX. 10LBS.COOKED CHICKEN RANGING FROM 125.7F-126.7F INSIDE OF HOT HOLDING UNIT.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE HOT FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE.APPX. 10LBS. $149.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 105.1F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE .MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 135.0F OR ABOVE.MANAGER ADJUSTED THERMOSTATE AND AIR TEMPERATURE IS NOW 135.1F.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED AN APPX. "1-2" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF GARAGE DOOR AND IN RIGHT CORNER OF REAR DOOR.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE TORN DOOR GASKETS ON BOTH 3- DOOR REACH IN COOLERS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FRYER CABINETS,GRILL TABLES, PREP TABLES,3- DOOR REACH IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DIRT BUILD UP ON WALLS IN WALK IN COOLER IN GARAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR STAINED CEILING TILES IN FRONT PREP AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN DINING AREA.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FILTERS AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROTOCOL PROCEDURE FOR CHECKING VACCINATIONS IN A PUBLIC PLACE.
  8. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • REAR BACK DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED. GAP AT BOTTOM OF DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • BATHROOM GARBAGE CAN IN NEED OF COVER. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND MAINTAIN.
  9. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • LARGE GARBAGE CANS BEING USED TO STORE RAW CHICKEN. INSTD TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS AND ABLE TO SUBMERGE IN BASINS OF 3 SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • WALL NEEDS CLEANING UNDER TOILET TISSUE DISPENSER IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • SEE 60.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM 6/19/19 REPORT 2293853: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND VERIFCATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090 PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
  10. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  11. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE PANEL WITH SLIGHT BUILD UP. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • PERSONAL BELONGINGS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA
  12. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • HOT HOLDING UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION, INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 132.1F. INSTD NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND REINSPECTED BY CDOH VIOLATION 7-38-005A CRITICAL.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE PANEL WITH SLIGHT BUILD UP. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • PERSONAL BELONGINGS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA.
  13. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED FROZEN MEATS AND OTHER FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED THE #10 CAN OPENER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN FRONT STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR THAT OPENS INTO THE PREP AREA IS NOT SELF CLOSING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DOOR DEVICE.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
  14. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED FROZEN MEATS AND OTHER FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR THAT OPENS INTO THE PREP AREA IS NOT SELF-CLOSING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
  15. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • LIGHT SHIELD NEEDED IN REAR STORAGE AREA. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZED CONTAINER. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
  16. License

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON REAR MOP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. (PHOTO GIVEN)

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