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SCHOOLYARD TAVERN & GRILL

3258 N SOUTHPORT AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60657 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

SCHOOLYARD TAVERN & GRILL has been inspected 17 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since November 1, 2012. The most recent inspection, on October 26, 2021, found no infractions.

6 of 17 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: Protecting food from contamination, Cleaning and sanitizing and Food temperature control.

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.

  • 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 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 17, 2019. For example: CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 17, 2019. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 1, 2014. For example: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

  • 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 October 4, 2019. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 19 times across 8 separate inspections, most recently on October 17, 2019. For example: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

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. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 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 THE POTENTIAL HAZARD OF CONSUMING SUCH FOOD ( EGGS,CAESAR DRESSING ) MUST DISCLOSE AND REMIND SUCH ITEMS IN WRITTEN FORM ON MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • MISSING LIDS AT ICE BIN UNITS BEHIND BAR,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • WE OBSERVED CONDENSER UNIT AND PIPES INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER DRIPPING,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • NOTED PREMISES USING HIGH DISH MACHINE.HOWEVER NO TEMPERATURE TEST STRIPS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR,STRIPS/STICKERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • BROKEN WALL AT SIDE OF ICE BIN IN BAR AREA. WE OBSERVED PILE OF(USED INSTEAD OF COVING/BASEBOARD WALL) CEMENT ON FLOOR BETWEEN WALL AND FLOOR BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT,FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER.SURFACE IS POROUS,UNEVEN, NOT SMOOTH, NOT A CLEANABLE.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL. REMOVE,SMOOTH IT OR REPLACE SAID CEMENT AT MENTIONED AREA.
  3. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 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 THE POTENTIAL HAZARD OF CONSUMING SUCH FOOD ( EGGS,CAESAR DRESSING ) MUST DISCLOSE AND REMIND SUCH ITEMS IN WRITTEN FORM ON MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • WE OBSERVED OVER 30 FLYING INSECTS AT BAR AREA,PREP AREA ON WALLS, AND DISH ROOM INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FLYING. CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • MISSING LIDS AT ICE BIN UNITS BEHIND BAR,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE -
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • WE OBSERVED CONDENSER UNIT AND PIPES INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER DRIPPING,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE. -
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • NOTED PREMISES USING HIGH DISH MACHINE.HOWEVER NO TEMPERATURE TEST STRIPS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR,STRIPS/STICKERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED -
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OUTSIDE WASTE OIL CONTAINER NOT MAINTAINED. GREASE ON TOP THE UNIT DRIPPING ON SURROUNDING GROUND AND GREASE ALSO SPLATTERED ON WALL BEHIND THE UNIT,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNIT,GROUND AND WALL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-020(B)
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • BROKEN WALL AT SIDE OF ICE BIN IN BAR AREA. WE OBSERVED PILE OF(USED INSTEAD OF COVING/BASEBOARD WALL) CEMENT ON FLOOR BETWEEN WALL AND FLOOR BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT,FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER.SURFACE IS POROUS,UNEVEN, NOT SMOOTH, NOT A CLEANABLE.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL. REMOVE,SMOOTH IT OR REPLACE SAID CEMENT AT MENTIONED AREA.
  4. Short Form Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND FOOD AND DRY GOODS STORED UNDER WALLS AND CEILING NOT SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN: 1ST FLOOR REAR STORAGE AREAS, BASEMENT DRY STORAGE, AND BASEMENT LIQUOR STORAGE. MUST COVER ALL WALLS AND CEILING WHERE DRY GOODS AND FOOD ARE STORED.
  5. Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND FOOD AND DRY GOODS STORED UNDER WALLS AND CEILING NOT SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN: 1ST FLOOR REAR STORAGE AREAS, BASEMENT DRY STORAGE, AND BASEMENT LIQUOR STORAGE. MUST COVER ALL WALLS AND CEILING WHERE DRY GOODS AND FOOD ARE STORED.
  6. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND FOOD AND DRY GOODS STORED UNDER WALLS AND CEILING NOT SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN: 1ST FLOOR REAR STORAGE AREAS, BASEMENT DRY STORAGE, AND BASEMENT LIQUOR STORAGE. MUST COVER ALL WALLS AND CEILING WHERE DRY GOODS AND FOOD ARE STORED.
  7. Canvass

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED DARK DEEP GROOVES AND CUTS IN BOTH CUTTING BOARDS, AT COOK LINE. OBSERVED BLACK SUBSTANCE EMBEDDED IN CAULKING ALONG 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, LOCATED IN DISH AREA. OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE COOK LINE AREA WITH CRACKS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND/OR REPLACE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED ICE SCOOP DESIGNATED FOR ICE MACHINE IN POOR REPAIR, WITH JAGGED, UNSMOOTH EDGES. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE SCOOP.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE COOK LINE AREA, WITH FOOD AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP LOCATED ALONG THE WALL AND FLOOR JUNCTION, IN THE HALL WAY BETWEEN THE COOK LINE AND DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN, SAID AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED CAULKING IN POOR REPAIR, ALONG INTERIOR OF KITCHEN HOODS, ABOVE COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RESEAL.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED STANDING WATER LOCATED UNDER ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT STORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELIMINATE AND MAINTAIN, TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVITY.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT REAR. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS, ORGANIZE REMAINING, STORE 6 INCHES OFF FLOORS AND WALLS AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND/OR REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
  9. Canvass

    0 infractions

  10. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON SHELVING UNITS. MUST STORE INVERTED.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT BAR AREAS BEHIND EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT ICE MACHINE AND SODA MACHINE WATERLINES. MUST PROVIDE.
  11. Canvass

    0 infractions

  12. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON THE REFRIGERATION UNITS IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE AS NEEDED AND TO MAINTAIN.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON THE BACK OF THE WALK IN COOLER CONDENSER UNIT. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED GREASE ACCUMULATION IN THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  13. Canvass

    0 infractions

  14. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOODS STORED INSIDE THE COLD HOLDING COOLER ON THE FOOD LINE: GROUND BEEF AT 52.3F, SHRIMP AT 51.7, CHICKEN AT 52.0F, AND DELI MEAT AT 50.6F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 5# OF FOOD WORTH $60. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPLACE STAINED, DEEP GROOVED CUTTING BOARD IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • RE-ORGANIZE BASEMENT AREA AND DISCARD CLUTTER ITEMS NOT BEING USED.
  15. Canvass

    0 infractions

  16. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY.(MUST STORE INVERTED)
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • FOUND MOPS AND BROOMS NOT STORED PROPERLY.
  17. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MISSING BASEBOARD ON NORTH WALL OF MAIN KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK IN RECENTLY CREATED GARAGE FOOD PREP AREA OR REMOVE ALL PREP EQUIPMENT. MUST DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MANAGEMENT PROVIDED AN INTERNAL THERMOMETER FOR WALK-IN COOLER.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • EMPLOYEES MUST NOT STORE BICYCLES IN DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM.

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