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SHARKS FISH & CHICKEN

1828 W 79TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60620 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

SHARKS FISH & CHICKEN has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 12, 2024. The most recent inspection, on February 25, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

None of the 6 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food source, labelling and allergens and Pests.

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 6 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on April 16, 2025. For example: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 14, 2025. 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 April 3, 2025. 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 February 25, 2026. For example: APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

  • 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 February 25, 2026. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

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.

6 inspections

  1. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 35. APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED A BAG OF FROZEN CHICKEN THAWING OUT IN A PAN OF WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON PROPERLY THAWING TCS FOODS INSIDE THE COOLER OR UNDERNEATH RUNNING COOL WATER.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED MANAGER/COOK WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • 3-304.14 : MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED METAL WALL & TRIM NEAR COOKING EQUIPMENT,DAMAGED FLOOR & WALL TILES WHERE NEEDED.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE(SQUEEZE BOTTLES & SHAKERS)
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • 3-304.14 : MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH SEVERAL TRASH BAGS PILED UP ABOVE RIM OF DUMPSTER AND ON GROUND OF CORRAL AND LIDS WIDE OPEN .MUST REMOVE TRASH BAGS GROUND AND ABOVE RIM AND CLOSE LIDS TO BE TIGHT FITTING ON DUMPSTER.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED METAL WALL & TRIM NEAR COOKING EQUIPMENT,DAMAGED FLOOR & WALL TILES WHERE NEEDED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,WALK IN COOLER & FREEZER.
    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2615121 4/3/25 NOT CORRECTED#47-4-101.19 : MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS .MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SHELVING UNITS AT SERVICE COUNTER.MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN WALK IN FREEZER AND PLACE ON SHELVING UNITS.#47-4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2 & 3- DOOR PREP COOLERS. #49-4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.#54-5-501.111 : MUST CLEAN SPILLAGE AND WASTE BUILD UP FROM GROUND IN GARBAGE CORRAL.#58- 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
  4. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN,FISH,COLESLAW,ITALIAN BEEF,ETC)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 3:18 P.M.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE(SQUEEZE BOTTLES & SHAKERS)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 40 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON DRY FOOD STORAGE RAILINGS,ON FLOOR BEHIND PREP TABLE,ON FLOOR UNDER 3- DOOR STORAGE COOLER,MOTOR OF 3- DOOR PREP COOLER,ON FLOOR NEXT TO HOT WATER TANK,ON LEDGE & FLOOR AT FURNANCE.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 4/3/25.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLE IN LOWER WALL AT DRIVE THRU,DAMAGED METAL WALL & TRIM NEAR COOKING EQUIPMENT,DAMAGED FLOOR TILES WHERE NEEDED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,WALK IN COOLER & FREEZER.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2603137 9/19/24 NOT CORRECTED#45-4-903.11(A;C) : MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSTION AND INVERT DISPOSABLE FOOD TRAYS ON SHELVING UNITS.#47-4-101.19 : MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS & GRILL TABLE, FOIL FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT.MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SHELVING UNITS AT SERVICE COUNTER.MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN WALK IN FREEZER AND PLACE ON SHELVING UNITS.#47-4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2 & 3- DOOR PREP COOLERS. #49-4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS,GRILL TABLE, FRYER CABINETS ,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.#54-5-501.111 : MUST CLEAN SPILLAGE AND WASTE BUILD UP FROM GROUND IN GARBAGE CORRAL.#56- 6-501.14 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM HOOD & FILTERS AT COOKING EQUIPMENT.#58- 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
  5. License Re-Inspection

    12 infractions

    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • 4-903.11(A;C) : MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSTION AND INVERT DISPOSABLE FOOD TRAYS ON SHELVING UNITS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.19 : MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS & GRILL TABLE, FOIL FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT.MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SHELVING UNITS AT SERVICE COUNTER.MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN WALK IN FREEZER AND PLACE ON SHELVING UNITS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2 & 3- DOOR PREP COOLERS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.12 : MUST REPLACE WORN CUTTING BOARD.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS,GRILL TABLE, FRYER CABINETS ,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 : OBSERVED WATER LEAKING INTO A BUCKET FROM COMPRESSOR UNIT IN WALK IN COOLER.OBSERVED FOUL SMELLING ODOR COMING FROM FLOOR DRAINS MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • 5-501.111 : MUST CLEAN SPILLAGE AND WASTE BUILD UP FROM GROUND IN GARBAGE CORRAL
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114 : MUST REMOVE WEEDS FROM EXTERIOR OF PARKING LOT AND PREMISES AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN LOBBY,DAMAGED WALL & TILE.MUST SEAL GAPS IN DOOR FRAME TO OFFICE AND EXTERIOR BRICK HAS SEVERAL GAPS
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 : MUST CLEAN FOOD SPLATTER FROM WALLS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • : 6-501.14 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM HOOD & FILTERS AT COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  6. License

    17 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (SHAKERS, SQUEEZE BOTTLES AND BULK)WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 40 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR NEXT TO BUCKETS,ON THE SIDE OF THE FURNANCE,ON FLOOR UNDER DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVES NEAR GREASE CONTAINER. APPX. 25 OR MORE LIVE SMALL & LARGE FLIES ON WALLS,BOXES ON SHELVING UNITS,INSIDE OF LAUNDRY BAG OF SOILED TOWELS AND FLYING AROUND PREMISES. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS,RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 9/12/24.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE BOXED FOOD OFF OF FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE FROM SURFACES.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSTION AND INVERT DISPOSABLE FOOD TRAYS ON SHELVING UNITS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS & GRILL TABLE, FOIL FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT.MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SHELVING UNITS AT SERVICE COUNTER.MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN WALK IN FREEZER AND PLACE ON SHELVING UNITS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2 & 3- DOOR PREP COOLERS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPLACE WORN CUTTING BOARD.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS,GRILL TABLE, FRYER CABINETS ,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,WINDOW SILLS IN LOBBY.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED WATER LEAKING INTO A BUCKET FROM COMPRESSOR UNIT IN WALK IN COOLER.OBSERVED FOUL SMELLING ODOR COMING FROM FLOOR DRAINS MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • MUST CLEAN SPILLAGE AND WASTE BUILD UP FROM GROUND IN GARBAGE CORRAL.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REMOVE WEEDS FROM EXTERIOR OF PARKING LOT AND PREMISES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN LOBBY,DAMAGED WALL & TILE.MUST SEAL GAPS IN DOOR FRAME TO OFFICE AND EXTERIOR BRICK HAS SEVERAL GAPS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN FOOD SPLATTER FROM WALLS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM HOOD & FILTERS AT COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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