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STRAIGHTLAW COOKING & CATERING

3334 W CHICAGO AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60651 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

STRAIGHTLAW COOKING & CATERING has been inspected 5 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since January 18, 2022. The most recent inspection, on April 18, 2024, found no infractions.

2 of 5 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: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food source, labelling and allergens and Food temperature control.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. 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 8 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2023. 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2023. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 on April 27, 2023. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 April 27, 2023. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 12 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2023. For example: GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

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.

5 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    12 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED FLOUR AND MIXED BATTER OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND IN STAINLESS STEEL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER OIL FILTERING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DEBRIS AND ICE BUILDUP IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZERS LOCATED IN THE FRONT AND REAR NEAR THE BACK EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE SIDES OF ALL THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DUST, GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF ALL OF THE REACH IN COOLERS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE BOTTOM AND ON THE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF CLUTTER OF EQUIPMENT AND OTHER ITEMS IN FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ANY AND ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND INSECT HARBORING
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DIRT, GREASE AND FOOD SPLATTER ON THE WALLS IN THE FRONT FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE THE GREASE AND DEBRIS
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
  4. Canvass

    19 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED (SUCH AS CHICKEN). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED. INSTRUCTED MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT STORED IN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. FOUND INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING FOOD PRODUCTS. EGGS AT 71.3F, CHICKEN AT 56.0F, SHRIMPS 55.8F AND STEAK AT 49.8F INSTRUCTED ALL TCS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF BELOW 41.0F AND HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF ABOVE 135.0F. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOODS DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATIONI 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED 2 DOOR PREP COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 59.2F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. PREP COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED FLOUR AND MIXED BATTER OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND IN STAINLESS STEEL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED CUTTING UTENSILS BEING STORED BETWEEN THE PREP TABLE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY HANGING OR INSIDE DEVICE FOR HOLDING UTENSILS, KEEP CLEANED AND MAINTAINED BETWEEN USE
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CARD BOARD LINING FLLORS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL AS A MEANS OF BEING ABLE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AND TO PREVENT POSSIBLE INSECT HARBORING
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER OIL FILTERING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DEBRIS AND ICE BUILDUP IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZERS LOCATED IN THE FRONT AND REAR NEAR THE BACK EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE SIDES OF ALL THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DUST, GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF ALL OF THE REACH IN COOLERS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE BOTTOM AND ON THE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR HANDWASHING SINK HANDLE WAS IN USE AND ALSO AT THE FRONT HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF CLUTTER OF EQUIPMENT AND OTHER ITEMS IN FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ANY AND ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND INSECT HARBORING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DIRT, GREASE AND FOOD SPLATTER ON THE WALLS IN THE FRONT FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE THE GREASE AND DEBRIS
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
  5. License

    5 infractions

    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED TOILET ROOM WITH NO COVERED RECEPTACLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF CLUTTER IN REAR OF THE FACILITY. (CHAIRS, TABLES, OLD EQUIPMENT AND OTHER ITEMS) INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AS A MEANS OF HELPING PREVENT POSSIBLE PEST AND INSECT HARBORING.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING ON SITE (NO EMPLOYEES YET) INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.

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