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STARBUCKS PALMER HOUSE

17 E MONROE ST, CHICAGO, IL 60603 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

STARBUCKS PALMER HOUSE has been inspected 7 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 27, 2023. The most recent inspection, on March 30, 2026, recorded 8 infractions.

None of the 7 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 31 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Cleaning and sanitizing and Pests.

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 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 30, 2026. 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on March 30, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 March 19, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Food safety training and certificationLower risk

    Most jurisdictions require a certified food handler or manager on site, and some require allergen or food-worker training. These findings mean the paperwork or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean food was handled unsafely.

    Recorded 11 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on March 30, 2026. For example: PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 9 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on March 30, 2026. For example: PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

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.

7 inspections

  1. Complaint Re-Inspection

    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 (EGG& SAUSAGE SANDWICHES,MILK,WRAPS,CHICKEN,ETC.)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 5-202.12 (B-D) : MUST ADJUST 1ST SINK FAUCET IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM TO STAY ON LONGER FOR HAND WASHING.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • : 5-202.12 (B-D) : MUST ADJUST 1ST SINK FAUCET IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM TO STAY ON LONGER FOR HAND WASHING.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON FRONT 1- DOOR SANDWICH PREP COOLER.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM COUNTER TOPS,STORAGE CABINETS,INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE,EXTERIOR OF COFFEE MACHINES.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT DUMPSINK.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 : OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR SOME EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Complaint Re-Inspection

    9 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • 2-101.11 Inspector Comments: 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 (EGG& SAUSAGE SANDWICHES,MILK,WRAPS,ETC.)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.14 Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN BOTH MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 5-202.12 (B-D) : MUST ADJUST 1ST SINK FAUCET IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM TO STAY ON LONGER FOR HAND WASHING.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON FRONT 1- DOOR SANDWICH PREP COOLER.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM COUNTER TOPS,STORAGE CABINETS,INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE,EXTERIOR OF COFFEE MACHINES.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT DUMPSINK.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 : OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR SOME EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2632789 3/19/26 NOT CORRECTED#60-8-404.13(B:4) :#47-4-501.11 : OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON THE INSIDE OF TWO DOOR FREEZERS AND COOLERS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
  3. Complaint

    14 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 (EGG SANDWICHES,MILK,WRAPS,ETC.)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 9:46 A.M.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 8. HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
      • OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY MALE EMPLOYEE OBSERVED HIM MOPPING THE FLOOR AND THEN WENT TO ALL COOLERS AND OPENED DOORS CHECKING INVENTORY AND THEN GOT FOOD PRODUCT FROM COOLER,THEN HANDLED SANITIZING CLOTHS AND WIPED DOWN SURFACES WITHOUT WASHING HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • MUST ADJUST 1ST SINK FAUCET IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM TO STAY ON LONGER FOR HAND WASHING.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN BOTH MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF 3- LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON WHEEL BASE OF FRONT 1- DOOR SANDWICH COOLER,UNDERSIDE OF COUNTER INSIDE OF CREVICE NEXT TO COFFEE MACHINE AND ON UPPER WALL AT CONDIMENT STATION IN DINING AREA AND SEVERAL DEAD ROACHES IN STORAGE CABINETS.ALSO 3- LIVE SMALL FLIES ON CEILINGS IN DINING AREA AND IN FRONT PREP AREA. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 3/19/26.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON FRONT 1- DOOR SANDWICH PREP COOLER.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM COUNTER TOPS,STORAGE CABINETS,INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE,EXTERIOR OF COFFEE MACHINES.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT DUMPSINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STANDING WATER IN FLOOR DRAIN IN FRONT PREP AREA.MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST SEAL ALL CRACKS AND CREVICES AT SERVICE COUNTER AND ALL OTHER WALLS THAT HAVE GAPS TO PREVENT INSECT ENTRY POINTS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM CEILING PANEL AND WALL OVER REAR COOLER NEXT TO OFFICE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR SOME EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2609018 12/12/24 NOT CORRECTED#47-4-501.11 : OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON THE INSIDE OF TWO DOOR FREEZERS AND COOLERS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
  4. Complaint Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON THE INSIDE OF TWO DOOR FREEZERS AND COOLERS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Short Form Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON THE INSIDE OF TWO DOOR FREEZERS AND COOLERS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED. WHEN WATER FROM ONE COMPARTMENT IS DRAINED, WATER BACKS UP INTO ADJACENT COMPARTMENT AND DRAINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET DRAINAGE SYSTEM/GREASE TRAP SERVICED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (BREAKFAST SANDWICHES, MILK) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON THE INSIDE OF TWO DOOR FREEZERS AND COOLERS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  7. License

    1 infraction

    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTOR'S REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE OR MEET REQUIREMENT.

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