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S2 EXPRESS GRILL

5058 S HALSTED ST, CHICAGO, IL 60609 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

S2 EXPRESS GRILL has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since July 18, 2019. The most recent inspection, on January 14, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

2 of 12 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: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food temperature control and Protecting food from contamination.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on January 4, 2024. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 5 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 9, 2023. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 9, 2023. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 January 31, 2022. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 July 18, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

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

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Double door freezer interior side of door missing cover, exposed insulation. Instructed to cover insulation with a smooth surface.
  2. Short Form Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • 3-304.12 OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF STEAM TABLES UNCOVERED AND UNPROTECTED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE INSIDE PRODUCT WITH HANDLE UPWARD OR CLEAN DRY CONTAINERS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.13 OBSERVED LARGE OPENING IN WALL UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ENCLOSE TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.13 OBSERVED DRIED FOOD DEBRIS LOCATED BEHIND COOLING UNITS LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDERS AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
  3. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF STEAM TABLES UNCOVERED AND UNPROTECTED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE INSIDE PRODUCT WITH HANDLE UPWARD OR CLEAN DRY CONTAINERS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LARGE OPENING IN WALL UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ENCLOSE TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DRIED FOOD DEBRIS LOCATED BEHIND COOLING UNITS LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDERS AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED A WHITE PANEL INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE THAT TOUCHED ICE FILLED WITH A BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2252726 CONDUCTED ON 01/09/23. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED: (#58) 2-102.13: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH THE COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDES DOCUMENTATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  6. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS WITHOUT ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR TO BE IMPROPER: STEAK 47.8F AND GROUND BEEF48.1F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 10 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $50.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. -COS.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLERS AND LOW COLD HOLDINING UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED SODA AND JUICES STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER FRONT COUNTER AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED FILTERS MISSING IN HOOD VETILATION SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL AND REPLACE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
  7. Complaint

    8 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • NO LABEL ON BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS; MUST LABEL ALL CONTAINERS HOLDING INGREDIENTS (SUGAR, FLOUR, ETC).
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • NO HOT RUNNING WATER ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) ISSUED. CORRECTED ON SITE. HOT RUNNING WATER RESTORED AT ALL SINKS DURING INSPECTION.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR; MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER FRYERS AND AROUND AND UNDER OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT. OBSERVED DUST ON THE VENT FAN ON THE CEILING OF THE WASHROOM; CLEAN FAN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • NO WRITTEN PROTOCOL AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A WRITTEN RECORD OF DESCRIBING PROTOCOL FOR CHECKING PROOF OF VACCINATION IN PUBLIC PLACES.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • NO RECORDS OF EMPLOYEE VACCINCATION STATUS OR WEEKLY TESTING PER OSHA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • NO SIGNAGE REQUIRING PROOF OF VACCINATION. INSTRUCTED TO POST SIGNAGE AT ENTRANCE DOOR TO SHOW PROOF OF VACCINATION REQUIRED TO DINE IN AT LOCATION.
  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. Canvass

    19 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PIC DOESN'T HAVE A FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIDE FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW NOR MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (LOBSTER,STEAK,MASHED POTATO).MUST PROVIDE ,MAINTAIN AND ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 21. PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 18LBS. COOKED MASHED POTATO 113.0F-121.6F.15LBS. COOKED CHICKEN BREAST 94.3F-103.3F. 3LBS. COOKED ASPARUGUS 77.2F.5LBS. COOKED PHILLY STEAK 120.2F.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. APPX. 41LBS. $62.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF COLD HOLDING FOODS SUCH AS 5.5LBS.RAW LOBSTER TAILS 57.7F-58.3F IN A BUCKET OF WATER ON SHELVING UNIT.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 5.5LBS. $160.(PRIROITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO PROBE THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES. MUST PROVIDE A PROBE THERMOMETER AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED REPACKAGED DESSERTS ON DISPLAY FOR SALE WITHOUT PROPER INFO.MUST LABEL AND MAINTAIN.MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED DARK AND BLACK DISCOLORED SURFACE ON CUTTING BOARDS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON 2- DOOR PREP COOLER.MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD FOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN PANTRY.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT TO CHECK SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM'S AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FRYER CABINETS,PREP TABLES,PREP COOLERS, REACH IN COOLERS & FREEZER,STORAGE SHELVES.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER ON PREMISES WATER TEMPERATURES ARE REAR HAND SINK 66.0F,3- COMPARTMENT SINK 66.3F,CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOM 66.2F.MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST 110.0F AT HAND SINKS AND 110.0F AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT 3- COMP SINK IN MIDDLE BASIN UNDERNEATH AND LEAKY 2- DOOR REFRIGERATOR.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEES TOILET IN REAR PREP AREA OVER FLOWING WITH URINE .MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALLS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE OPENING IN LOWER WALL UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPLACE MISSING FILTER AT VENTILATION HOOD.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP AT HOOD AND FILTERS OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
  10. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLEAN FLOOR IN PREP AREA OF FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS AROUND GRILL AREA.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2303350 DATED 7/18/2019 NOT CORRECTED. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.
  11. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN/SANITIZE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF REFRIGERATION UNITS OF FOOD DEBRIS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR RESTROOM AT REAR USED BY FEMALE EMPLOYEES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLEAN FLOOR IN PREP AREA OF FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS AROUND GRILL AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REMOVE CLUTTER IN UTILITY CLOSET, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR NEW EMPLOYEES.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2303350 DATED 7/18/2019 NOT CORRECTED. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.
  12. License

    6 infractions

    • 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 OR DIARRHEA PROCEDURE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND NO CITATION ISSUED MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED UNFINISHED WOOD ON THE SHELVES IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR SEAL
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • NO VENTILATION SYSTEM IN THE REAR TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR FOOD HANDLERS ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS AND MAINTAIN

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