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STRING'S

1453 E 53RD ST, CHICAGO, IL 60615 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

STRING'S has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 4, 2019. The most recent inspection, on May 19, 2026, recorded 9 infractions.

2 of 12 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 9 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Pests and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

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.

  • 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 12 times across 10 separate inspections, most recently on May 19, 2026. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on May 8, 2024. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 19, 2026. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 19, 2026. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 once on May 19, 2026. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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.

12 inspections

  1. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON DUTY/ PREMISES AS REQUIRED WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS CHICKEN AND SEAFOOD. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, AND STORAGEAREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.
  2. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON DUTY/ PREMISES AS REQUIRED WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS CHICKEN AND SEAFOOD. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE DELI MEAT SLICER IN THE REAR PREP AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN THE FLOORS, FLOOR DRAINS, WALL AND CEILING IN THE REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED THE INTERIOR SCREEN DOOR WITH 1/4" GAPS AT THE BOTTOM,SIDE AND TOP. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN THE TOP INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS, FLOOR DRAINS, WALL AND CEILING THROUGH OUT PREMISES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MOPS NOT PROPERLY STORE WHILE DAMP ON THE FLOOR AND IN BUCKETS. MUST HANG UP TO AIR DRY TO PREVENT BREEDING SOURCE FOR FLIES.
  4. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED THE INTERIOR SCREEN DOOR WITH 1/4" GAPS AT THE BOTTOM,SIDE AND TOP.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 30 SMALL LIVE FLIES SCATTERED ON THE WALLS, CEILING AND BOXES IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA, ALSO NOTED 20 SMALL LIVE FLIES SCATTERED IN THE MOP SINK AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED #7-38-020(A).
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN THE TOP INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS,WALL AND CEILING THROUGH OUT PREMISES TO PREVENT FUTHER FLY ISSUES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MOPS NOT PROPERLY STORE WHILE DAMP ON THE FLOOR AND IN BUCKETS. MUST HANG UP TO AIR DRY.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS, INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE, INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • THE WASHROOM DOORS ARE NOT SELF CLOSING AS REQUIRED; MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICES AT BOTH DOORS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, CLEAN WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE CEILING VENTILATION FANS IN BOTH WASHROOMS TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED ON THEM. ALSO INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE KITCHEN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ONE LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE COOLER IN KITCHEN IS CRACKED IN TWO PLACES; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE SHIELD.
  6. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED RODENT ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. FOUND 70 OR MORE MOUSE DROPPINGS ON PREMISES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE DISHMACHINE TABLE, ON THE FLOOR BY THE ICE MACHINE, ON THE FLOOR IN THE UTILITY CLOSET AND IN THE REAR KITCHEN PANTRY ON THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE STORAGE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS, INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE, INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • THE WASHROOM DOORS ARE NOT SELF CLOSING AS REQUIRED; MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICES AT BOTH DOORS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN THE UTILITY CLOSET AREA; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO AVOID CLUTTER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, CLEAN WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE CEILING VENTILATION FANS IN BOTH WASHROOMS TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED ON THEM. ALSO INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE KITCHEN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ONE LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE COOLER IN KITCHEN IS CRACKED IN TWO PLACES; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE SHIELD.
  7. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 ISSUED.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • SOME FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT HAIR RESTAINTS; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND WEAR AT ALL TIMES.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN BOTH PREP AREAS, CLEAN INTERIORS OF ALL REFRIGERATION AND FREEZER UNITS, CLEAN PREP TABLES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL FLOOR DRAINS AT SINKS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • A FLOOR DRAIN COVER IS NEEDED FOR THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE UTILITY CLOSET; MUST PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND SOME UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN THE UTILITY CLOSET AND STORAGE CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ITEMS TO AVOID CLUTTER. ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REMOVE DUST FROM THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR PREP AREA AND IN HOOD ABOVE THE DISHMACHINE.
  8. Canvass

    0 infractions

  9. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, TOP AND BOTTOMS OF PREP TABLES.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAKING FROM THE DISHMACHINE WHEN MACHINE IN USE AT THE AREA WHERE THE SOAP IS DISPENSED INTO UNIT; REPAIR LEAK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAINS AT SINKS WHERE NEEDED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN CEILING VENTS IN DINING AREA AND WASHROOMS TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
  10. Complaint

    10 infractions

    • 6. PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
      • OBSERVED TWO EMPLOYEES EATING AND DRINKING FROM OPEN CUP IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR EATING OUTSIDE PREP AREA.
    • 14. REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION
      • OBSERVED NO RECORDS OR STATEMENT FOR PARASITE DESTRUCTION OF RAW FISH FROM SUPPLIER ON PREMISES. LICENSE HOLDER SHALL PROVIDE STATEMENT FROM SUPPLIER IDENTIFYING THAT FISH SOLD AS RAW, RAW-MARINATED, OR UNDERCOOKED IS FROZEN FOR PARASITE DESTRUCTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 29. COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP
      • OBSERVED NO APPROVED PROCEDURES OR LAB RECORDS FOR SUSHI RICE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 35. APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED RAW PORK BELLY IMPROPERLY THAWING IN STANDING WATER IN PREP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY THAW UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, IN REFRIGERATOR OR PART OF COOKING PROCESS.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND DRINK SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE CUPS, BOWLS, PLATES AND CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET ON HAND WASHING SINK AND LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CEILING TILES MISSING NEAR VENTILATION HOOD IN REAR PREP AREA. INSRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DUDT BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS AND CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  11. Canvass

    0 infractions

  12. License

    2 infractions

    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • MUST STORE UNUSED WIPING CLOTHS IN ADEQUATE CHEMICAL SANITIZING SOLUTION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLEAN FLOOR AT REAR PREP AREA OF FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS. CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLBASE AND AT CORNERS, UNDER SHELVING AT REAR.

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