The Violet Hour

1520 N DAMEN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60622 · Restaurant

19 inspections

1. CanvassFeb 5, 2026

   0 infractions

2. CanvassJan 3, 2025

   2 infractions

   • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
     • OBSERVED SHELVING IN COOLER WITH RUSTING WITH CHIPPED PAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SHELVING.
   • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
     • OBSERVED SEVERAL AREAS OF FLOORING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA THAT ARE NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE FLOOR SO IT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED SECTIONS OF THE WALL AND CORNERS NEAR THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND ICE MACHINE THAT ARE IN DISREPAIR AND NOT SEALED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND SEAL ALL WALL SECTIONS IN DISREPAIR. VIOLATION PREVIOUSLY NOTED IN REPORT #2609470 DATED DECEMBER 19 2024
3. CanvassDec 19, 2024

   2 infractions

   • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
     • OBSERVED APPROX. 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS BEHIND THE BAR ON THE LIQUOR STORAGE SHELVES AND FLYING AROUND THE BAR AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
   • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
     • OBSERVED SEVERAL AREAS OF FLOORING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA THAT ARE NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE FLOOR SO IT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED SECTIONS OF THE WALL AND CORNERS NEAR THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND ICE MACHINE THAT ARE IN DISREPAIR AND NOT SEALED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND SEAL ALL WALL SECTIONS IN DISREPAIR.
4. Canvass Re-InspectionAug 7, 2023

   0 infractions

5. CanvassJul 31, 2023

   7 infractions

   • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
     • OBSERVED LEAK COMING FROM BOTTOM OF 2-DOOR COOLER USED TO STORE SYRUPS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
   • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
     • OBSERVED NO CHLORINE TEST STRIPS ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
   • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
     • OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED ON COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
   • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
     • OBSERVED OUTDOOR DUMPSTERS IN ALLEY OVERFLOWING WITH GARBAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN DUMPSTERS WITH TIGHT-FITTING LIDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
   • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
     • OBSERVED UNUSED CHEST FREEZER AT THE BAR AND SEVERAL PIECES OF UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR HALLWAY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
   • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
     • OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF DUST AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FILTERS OF HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
   • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
     • OBSERVED 2 BURNT-OUT LIGHTBULBS IN THE REAR ABOVE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
6. CanvassOct 11, 2018

   3 infractions

   • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
     • 3-305.12 OBSERVED BEVERAGES STORED UNDERNEATH SEWER LINES IN THE BASEMENT. MUST SHIELD THE LINES OR REMOVE THE BEVERAGES FROM THIS AREA.
   • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
     • 6-501.12 CLEAN THE CEILING TILES IN THE BEVERAGE PREPARATION AREA.
   • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
     • 6-501.11 REPLACE THE CORNER WALL MOLDING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
7. CanvassJul 11, 2018

   0 infractions

8. CanvassJun 26, 2017

   3 infractions

   • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
     • OBSERVED RIPPED GASKETS AROUND THE DOORS OF THE 2-DOOR REACH-IN REFRIGERATOR TO THE LEFT OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT ACROSS FROM THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKETS TO PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AROUND THE DOORS AT ALL TIMES.
   • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
     • THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE IS BEING HELD TOGETHER BY BLUE MASKING TAPE. INSTRUCRTED TO PERMANENTLY REPAIR THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
   • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
     • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE BOTTOM SHELF OF THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR AND THE GASKETS AROUND THE DOOR TO REMOVE LIQUID AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
9. CanvassOct 4, 2016

   3 infractions

   • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
     • WHITE CONTAINERS FOR DRY FOOD MUST BE LABELED(KITCHEN).ALSO ANY FOOD PRODUCTS OR NON-FOOD PRODUCTS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINER/PACKAGE MUST BE LABELED.
   • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
     • SPLASH GUARD IS NEEDED AT EXPOSED HAND SINK BETWEEN THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND ICE BIN.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
   • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
     • GREASE INSIDE THE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE 10 BURNER STOVE ALSO GREASE ON FLOOR UNDER THE SAME UNIT.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ITEMS NEEDED AND STORED ON FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT MUST BE ELEVATED 6"OFF THE FLOOR.
10. CanvassDec 4, 2015

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • SMALL BOTTLES MUST BE REPLACED WITH A WIDER MOUTH OPENING TO PROPERLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALLS NEAR ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST AND SPLATTER BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • LIGHT SHEILDS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
11. CanvassOct 15, 2015

    0 infractions

12. ComplaintAug 27, 2014

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN FAN GUARDS IN REACH-IN COOLERS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN ALL FLOOR DRAINS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
13. ComplaintAug 15, 2014

    0 infractions

14. Canvass Re-InspectionApr 24, 2013

    1 infraction

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Exposed handsinks in bar area not protected. Instructed to install shield on sides of sink.
15. CanvassApr 16, 2013

    8 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • Evidence of rodent activity found on premises. Observed rat droppings in basement storage/mechanical room-approximately 30-50 on ground around hot water tank. Also, double rear exit door and front wooden door not rodent proofed. Instructed to rodent proof doors to prevent rodent and insect entry. Serious citation issued 7-38-020.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Ice bins in bar area not covered. Instructed to provide cover for bins. Exposed handsinks in bar area not protected. Instructed to install shield on sides of sink.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Interior ice machine bin, ventilation covers, storages shelves in prep area and cooking equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize daily.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Floor along wallbase and under equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Ceiling not maintained in basement or side hallway. Instructed to replace all missing or damaged drop ceiling panels. Walls along wallbase in side hallway, vestibule, bar area not maintained. Instructed to repair and/or replace and seal/repaint walls and ceiling.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Exposed handsink slow draining in bar area. Instructed to repair to prevent slow drain.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • Thermometer not provided in bar coolers and not conspicuous inside prep coolers. Instructed to provide thermometers inside coolers and have all thermometers conspicuous inside.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • Unnecessary articles in basement and side hallway. Instructed to remove all unused articles and detail clean areas.
16. CanvassSep 21, 2012

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Violation #33 still pending.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Violation #34 still pending.
17. CanvassMay 3, 2011

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR SHELVES OF REACH-IN COOLER
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN AREA
18. Tag RemovalMay 21, 2010

    6 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • MUST LABEL AND DATE ALL COOKED FOODS IN WALK-IN-COOLER,BULK FOOD CONTAINERS TO IDENTIFY PRODUCTS STORED. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • GASKET AT CHEST FREEZER IS BROKEN-MUST REPAIR,PROVIDE MISSING ICE BINS BEHIND BAR ALSO SINK STOPPER MISSING SAME AREA.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS IN KITCHEN NOT SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE,FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • LIGHT BULBS IN WALK-IN-COOLER NOT SHIELDED
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOMS,ABOVE HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS NOT CLEAN. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE ALL CLUTTER FROM PREMISES.
19. ComplaintMay 17, 2010

    6 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers.MUST LABEL AND DATE ALL COOKED FOODS IN WALK-IN-COOLER,BULK FOOD CONTAINERS TO IDENTIFY PRODUCTS STORED.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.GASKET AT CHEST FREEZER IS BROKEN-MUST REPAIR,PROVIDE MISSING ICE BINS BEHIND BAR ALSO SINK STOPPER MISSING SAME AREA.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.FLOORS IN KITCHEN NOT SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE,FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.LIGHT BULBS IN WALK-IN-COOLER NOT SHIELDED.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOMS,ABOVE HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS NOT CLEAN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.REMOVE ALL CLUTTER FROM PREMISES.