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SWEET BEAN

1152 S WABASH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60605 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

SWEET BEAN has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 29, 2021. The most recent inspection, on April 8, 2026, recorded 5 infractions.

2 of 10 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 5 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Protecting food from contamination 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 7 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on April 8, 2026. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 6 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on May 20, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 8, 2026. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 May 6, 2025. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • 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 July 20, 2022. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

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.

10 inspections

  1. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED NO SANITIZING SOLUTION IN THE SANITIZING BASIN OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PREPARED AND MAINTAINED IN THE SANITIZING BASIN WHEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IS SET UP FOR USE. PRIORITY VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-025
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITH IMPROPER HAIR RESTRAIN WORKING WITH EXPOSED FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR PROPER HAIR RESTRAIN AT ALL TIMES WHEN PREPARING FOOD AND WORKING WITH EXPOSED FOOD AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAK AT PIPE UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WHEN DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF DUST/DEBRIS UNDER COOLING EQUIPMENT ON SALES FLOOR, IN CORNERS OF WINDOW NEAR SELF-SERVING UTENSILS, AND IN REAR PREP AREAS UNDER TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THESE AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SOILED MOP NOT PROPERLY STORED, MOP STORED IN BUCKET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE BUILD UP ON INSIDE INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE AND DRIPPING ONTO ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST REMOVE BUILD UP, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • FOUND READY TO EAT TCS FOODS SUCH AS COOKED PORK, COOKED CHICKEN, COOKED SWEET POTATOES, ETC IN REFRIGERATOR NOT DATE MARKED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD FOR 24 HOURS MUST BE PROPERLY DATE MARKED WITH THE DATE THE FOOD WILL BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND DUST BUILT UP IN THE VENTS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND THE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • No certified food service manager on site while handling and serving TCS foods ( chicken, milk, eggs...) instructed to obtain Priority foundation violation 7-38-012.
    • 6. PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
      • Open employees drinks above food prep tables, instructed to keep away.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • Obstructed hand wash sink in main prep kitchen, utensils/trays placed in sink, Instructed to keep hand sink free from any obstruction. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • Observed dish washer washing utensils at 3-comp sink without using sanitizer only washing with soap, sanitize compartment is empty. Instructed manager to wash, rinse and sanitize multi-use utensils properly. Priority violation 7-38-025.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • Bulk food containers not labeled ( salt, sugar...) instructed to label and maintain.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • No sink stoppers for 3-comp sink to hold water. Instructed to obtain for proper wash, rinse and sanitize.
  5. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.19 OBSERVED A TOWEL BEING USED TO LINE THE INTERIOR OF THE 3 DOOR REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TOWEL, ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED A PLASTIC WRAP AROUND THE PIPE THAT GOES INTO THE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE 2 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PLASTIC, ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE OR PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114 OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCED TO ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-307.11 OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL UTENSILS ARE STORED AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED DRAIN HOLES IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN INADEQUATE CONDITION. SIZE OF DRAIN HOLES MUST BE ADJUSTED.
  7. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE ON MENU. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 25 SMALL FLIES IN KITCHEN AREA NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 10 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE AREAS ACCORDINGLY. PEST CONTROL SERVICE RECOMMENDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A).
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL UTENSILS ARE STORED AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN ICE MACHINE.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • OBSERVED WASTE WATER BEING INADEQUATELY DISPOSED AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. WHEN WATER IS DRAINED IN ONE COMPARTMENT ANOTHER COMPARTMENT FLOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION ON SITE UPON ARRIVAL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS.
  8. Complaint

    9 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS WERE PREPARED AND SERVED AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED AT FACILITY 30 MINUTES AFTER INSPECTION STARTED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH A CURRENT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS (EGGS, SANDWICHES, MILK) ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND/OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED NO LABELS FOR BULK SUGAR STORAGE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED BOXES OF FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED BREAD, LEAFY GREENS, VEGETABLES STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND 1-DOOR FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED A SLOW DRAINING OF WATER AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED TWO BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS IN THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
  9. License

    0 infractions

  10. License

    0 infractions

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