Skip to content
Loading map…

SAFARI LOUNGE AND ETHIOPIAN CUISINE

7124 N CLARK ST, CHICAGO, IL 60626 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

SAFARI LOUNGE AND ETHIOPIAN CUISINE has been inspected 20 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 29, 2016. The most recent inspection, on May 1, 2025, found no infractions.

10 of 20 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, Cleaning and sanitizing and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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 6 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on May 7, 2024. 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 May 7, 2024. 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 7, 2024. 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 once on May 7, 2024. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 once on December 30, 2021. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

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.

20 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Complaint Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.12 OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD WITH DEEP STEAMS AND STAIN ON TOP OF PREP TABLE IN THE KITCHEN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 6-501.19 (2) TOILET ROOM DOORS (IN SECOND FLOOR) MUST BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING/CERTIFICATE
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
  3. Complaint

    13 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINK ON PREMISES (PREP, BAR, WASHROOMS)
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE BEHIND UPPER PANEL WITH CALCIUM BUILD-UP.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (RICE, FLOUR ETC)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND OVER 50 RODENT (MICE) DROPPINGS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS UNDER AND BEHIND COOLERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMEND TO CONTACT LICENSED PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A) CITATION ISSUED
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN THE KITCHEN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD WITH DEEP STEAMS AND STAIN ON TOP OF PREP TABLE IN THE KITCHEN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF 3 COMPARTMENT BAR SINK IN SECOND FLOOR BAR AREA.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LOOSE FAUCET AT HAND SINK INSIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM (FIRST AND IN SECOND FLOOR)
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM (1ST AND 2ND FLOOR) TRASH RECEPTACLES MUST BE COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER/LID.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • (2) TOILET ROOM DOORS (IN SECOND FLOOR) MUST BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN REAR STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING/CERTIFICATE
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
  4. Complaint

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE ON SITE. NO CERTIFICATE POSTED. MUST HAVE ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE ON SITE POSTED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND FOOD SANITATION MANAGER NEEDS TO SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • : 2-102.13-- FOUND FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
  7. Canvass Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(O)--FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • : 2-501.11-- FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEN UP PROCCEDURE WITH SPILL KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 5-205.11-- FOUND HANDWASHING SINKS NOT OPERATIONAL/NO HOT WATER AT MEN'S. HOT WATER TEMPERATURE NOTED AT 47F. NO HOT/COLD WATER AT LEFT WASHBOWL IN WOMENS 2ND FLOOR RESTROOMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-030C.MUST PROVIDE HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER WITH A MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT HAND SINKS AT 2ND FLOOR RESTROOMS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • : 2-102.13-- FOUND FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • NO RECORDS OF EMPLOYEE VACCINATION STAUS OR WEEKLY TESTING. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • NO WRITTEN PROTOCAL FOR IMPLEMENTING AND ENFORCING THE ORDER.
  8. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES.7-38-010. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.MUST PROVIDE.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEN UP PROCCEDURE WITH SPILL KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • FOUND HANDWASHING SINKS NOT OPERATIONAL/NO RUNNING WATER AT MEN'S AND WOMEN 2ND FLOOR RESTROOMS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-030C.MUST PROVIDE HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER AT HAND SINKS AT 2ND FLOOR RESTROOMS.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • FOUND NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER AT BUSINESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.MUST PROVIDE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
  9. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  10. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  11. Complaint

    0 infractions

  12. Canvass

    0 infractions

  13. Canvass

    12 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.NO CITATION ISSUED. -
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN AND KIT FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATE LABELED. MUST PROPERLY DATE LABELED FOODS WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS ON TCS FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS THAT ARE RAW OR UNDER COOKED AND A POTENTIAL HAZARD OF CONSUMING SUCH FOOD. MUST DISCLOSE AND REMIND SUCH ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED - -
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • BULK FOOD, OR FOOD REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINER, MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME. -
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • POP GUN DISPENSER AT FIRST FLOOR BAR WITH BLACK SLIME BUILD-UP, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NO DRAIN STOPPERS PROVIDED AT BOTH BARS THREE COMPARTMENT SINK(1ST AND 2ND FLOOR),INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. NO DISCHARGE DRAIN HOSE PROVIDED AT POP GUN HOLDER INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT FIRST FLOOR BAR AREA
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE TALL TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER TWO DOOR COOLER AND INSIDE THE DOORS OF REACH-IN COOLER BY THE LONG PREP TABLE IN THE KITCHEN,REPLACE
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • LONG CUTTING BOARD AT PREP TABLE IN THE KITCHEN WITH DEEP CUTS,BLACK STAINS .MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE SAID CUTTING BOARD
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MINERAL BUILD-UP AT KNIFE RACK BY THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE KITCHEN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • PA 100-0367 NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. - -
  14. Canvass

    0 infractions

  15. Canvass

    0 infractions

  16. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • NOTED FRYER CABINET UNDER FRYER GREASY IN KITCHEN.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN FRYER CABINET AND MAINTAIN
  17. Canvass

    0 infractions

  18. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • NOTED CARPET ON SECOND FLOOR NEEDS CLEANING. NOTED MISSING FLOOR TILES AT SECOND FLOOR BEHIND BAR AND NOTED MISSING FLOOR TILES AT DRY STORAGE AND AT MOPSINK AREA FIRST FLOOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • LIGHT SHIELDS NEED CLEANING UNDER HOOD AT HOT LINE IN THE KITCHEN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED HOOD AND FILTERS GREASY AT HOT LINE AREA IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
  19. Canvass

    0 infractions

  20. License

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON 3-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT 2ND FLOOR WITH UNKNOWN DEBRIS; FLOOR BEHIND BAR ON 2ND FLOOR IS DAMAGED. FLOOR NEAR REAR EXIT DOOR ON 1ST FLOOR NEEDS REPAIRS, SO FLOOR IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. SEAL FLOOR INSIDE DJ BOOTH ON 2ND FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED DETACHED WALL BASE ON NORTH WALL ON THE 2ND FLOOR. DETACHED WALLPAPER AND WALLBASE BEHIND THE BAR ON THE 2ND FLOOR. ALSO, DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENT IN WOMENS 1ST FLOOR TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • VENTILATION NOT WORKING IN 2ND FLOOR MENS & WOMENS TOILET ROOMS. SAME TOILET ROOMS HAS SLOW DRAINS IN ALL HAND SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website